Routine high-precision analysis of triple water-isotope ratios using cavity ring-down spectroscopy.

Our recommended approach for routine δ(2) H, δ(17) O, δ(18) O, d and Δ(17) O measurements with the Picarro L2140-i is to make use of conditioning vials, use fewer injections (5 per vial) with greater pulse duration (520 seconds (s) per injection) and use only the first 120 s for δ(2) H measurements and all 520 s for δ(17) O and δ(18) O measurements. Although the sample throughput is 10 unknowns per day, our optimal approach reduces the number of syringe actuations, the effect of memory, and the total analysis time, while improving precision relative to the default approach. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.