NanoSIMS-HR & Cryo

The Next Frontier in Nanoanalysis for Science & High-Tech

The NanoSIMS-HR is the next generation of the world-acclaimed NanoSIMS 50/50L Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer series which have contributed to major advances in the most diverse fields of fundamental research and industrial innovation: material sciences and semiconductor, geo- and cosmochemistry, plant and soil sciences, environmental microbiology, cell biology and medical research.

With the new NanoSIMS-HR, CAMECA delivers breakthrough instrumental innovations that will boost the versatility of this unique ion microprobe, improve data quality, and enable scientists and engineers to accelerate discovery and innovation under ever increasing workloads and tighter deadlines.

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Product Details

Discover NanoSIMS Cryo – Unlock native chemistry at the nanoscale

The NanoSIMS Cryo accessory extends the capabilities of the NanoSIMS-HR by enabling analysis of samples in their native frozen-hydrated state. By preserving structural and chemical integrity throughout cryogenic sample preparation and transfer, NanoSIMS Cryo enables elemental and isotopic imaging under conditions that closely reflect the original state of the specimen.

For life science applications, biological samples can be analyzed without the dilution and redistribution artefacts often associated with conventional resin-embedding workflows. For soft materials research, NanoSIMS Cryo preserves native morphology and composition, enabling the investigation of elemental and isotopic distributions while maintaining structural integrity.

Fully integrated into the cryogenic workflow — from sample preparation and transfer to NanoSIMS-HR analysis — NanoSIMS Cryo combines high spatial resolution, high mass resolution, and high sensitivity under cryogenic conditions. Scientists can investigate complex processes with greater confidence, extending the reach of nanoanalysis into previously inaccessible application domains.

Overview

Key improvements and new features of the NanoSIMS-HR include:

Improved accuracy

Unprecedented lateral resolution (30 nm) thanks to new cesium source and redesigned platform equipped with anti-vibration isolation
Depth resolution down to 12 nm per decade for depth profiles down to 8 x 8 µm² area thanks to new electronics facilitating instrument tuning
Fluid inclusion analysis with cold stage

Improved throughput

2.5x faster image acquisition at 100 nm lateral resolution thanks to brighter cesium source with higher current density
A variety of larger sample holders can now accommodate more samples of various sizes
10x more precise sample stage enabling faster acquisition of smaller images, and thus 10x faster unattended chained analysis

Ease of use

Automated introduction from storage to analysis chamber
Easy and accurate navigation on 3.6 x 4 mm² optical image to directly target regions of interest
New high resolution electronics facilitating peak centering and tuning optimization
Remote operation facilitating large analysis sessions that necessitate multiple sample holders

Reliability & Uptime

Upgraded Rf-Plasma O- source with optimum cooling system
Latest Pfeiffer turbo-molecular and primary pumps
New control electronics including redesigned high voltage power supply

Key improvements with NanoSIMS Cryo:

Highest sample fidelity

Preserve samples in their native states
True subcellular ion distribution & heterogeneity
Reveal previously invisible micrometer scale composition of soft materials

Key Features

NanoSIMS enables ultra high resolution chemical and isotopic imaging
Nanoscale spatial resolution
Reveals chemical structure at the sub micron scale
Simultaneous multi isotope detection
Captures complex elemental relationships in one analysis
Exceptional analytical sensitivity
Detects trace elements and isotopes
Broad scientific applicability
Used in biology, geoscience, materials, and environmental science
Proven global research platform
Installed in leading laboratories worldwide

FAQs on NanoSIMS Cryo

What sets NanoSIMS Cryo apart from other NanoSIMS configurations?

NanoSIMS Cryo uniquely combines nanometer‑scale chemical and isotopic imaging with true cryogenic sample handling. Unlike conventional NanoSIMS workflows, it enables the analysis of wet, volatile, soft, or beam‑sensitive samples in their native frozen state, preserving both chemical distribution and structure. This opens access to applications that were previously impossible or strongly compromised by dehydration, embedding, or chemical fixation.

How does NanoSIMS Cryo preserve the native state of samples during analysis?

NanoSIMS Cryo maintains samples at cryogenic temperatures from loading through analysis, using dedicated cryo stages in both the load‑lock and analysis chamber. By keeping samples frozen, it prevents redistribution of mobile species, loss of volatiles, and preparation‑induced artifacts, ensuring that the chemical maps reflect the true in‑situ state of the material or biological system.

Why does cryogenic analysis matter for NanoSIMS applications?

For many applications—biology, soft matter, geochemistry, and emerging industrial use cases—the native state is the signal. Cryogenic analysis allows researchers to study metabolism, ion transport, drug distribution, fluid inclusions, or emulsions as they exist in reality, rather than after heavy sample transformation. This is critical for drawing quantitative, mechanistic, and actionable conclusions.

Can NanoSIMS Cryo handle beam‑sensitive or volatile materials?

Yes. NanoSIMS Cryo is specifically designed for beam‑sensitive, hydrated, or volatile‑rich materials such as biological tissues, cells, emulsions, frozen fluids, and soft polymers. Cryogenic preservation significantly improves analytical robustness for these samples compared to room‑temperature SIMS workflows.

What are the advantages of NanoSIMS Cryo for life sciences workflows?

In life sciences, NanoSIMS Cryo enables quantitative sub‑cellular mapping of isotopes and elements in frozen cells and tissues. It supports applications such as metabolic tracing, pharmacokinetics, ion homeostasis, and cell signaling, providing chemical information that is complementary to structural techniques like Cryo‑EM.

How does NanoSIMS Cryo support advanced materials and soft‑matter research?

For advanced materials and soft matter, NanoSIMS Cryo allows the study of emulsions, polymers, batteries, geological fluids, and atmospheric‑sensitive materials in a preserved state. This enables researchers to correlate chemical heterogeneity, interfaces, and transport phenomena at the nanoscale—critical for formulation science, energy materials, and geoscience.

Can NanoSIMS Cryo be used beyond academic research?

Yes. While initially driven by academic and governmental labs, NanoSIMS Cryo is increasingly relevant for industrial R&D in areas such as pharma, cosmetics, food science, energy materials, where understanding chemistry in the native state directly impacts product performance and development decisions.

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Benefits

Discover the key advantages that set our solution apart. From increased efficiency to exceptional support, these benefits are designed to deliver real value and help you achieve more with confidence.

~30 nm resolution

2.5× faster imaging

Cryogenic compatibility

High sample fidelity

Improved reliability

Webinars

Illustration showing an interactive webinar with a presenter, live reactions, chat icons, and audience participation

Imaging Microbial Life at the Nanoscale: How NanoSIMS Reveals Single-Cell Function

A special webinar celebrated the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Dr. Niculina Musat showcased how NanoSIMS reveals single‑cell microbial activity within complex communities, highlighting key methods, recent advances, and real‑world case studies.

Revealing the Intracellular Distributions of Biomolecules with a Novel NanoSIMS-based Methodology

Melanie Brunet, Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana−Champaign, working under the guidance of Prof. Mary Kraft, will introduce you to new NanoSIMS-based methodology that significantly enhances the accuracy of intracellular biomolecule visualization. Key take aways include: Advanced Depth Correction; Accuracy in Imaging; Validation and Impact; Research Applications.

Exploring Radionuclide Contamination Using New 226Ra Standards & High Resolution NanoSIMS Analysis

Webinar presented by Louise Darricau, Postdoctoral Researcher at the ASNR and the MNHN, highlights how NanoSIMS technology enables precise isotopic imaging and quantification at the sub-micron scale, offering new possibilities for environmental and nuclear safety research.

Lithium-Ion Battery Research with NanoSIMS

Gina Greenidge, Higher Scientist at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), UK’s National Metrology Institute, presents a study nitrogen fixation in maize leaf chloroplasts, or the role of vitamin B5 on cancer tumor proliferation. Key take aways include: Review the capabilities of the NanoSIMS for nanoscale chemical mapping in LIB samples; Observe the collocation of fluorine and phosphorus, and the increase in Li, P and F signals for aged LIB samples; Gain insight into LIB anode degradation processes and the challenges that lie ahead for enabling batteries with longer life-time and higher performance.