The isotope-ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) allows the precise measurement of mixtures of naturally occurring isotopes. Most instruments used for precise determination of isotope ratios are of the magnetic sector type. This type of analyzer is superior to the quadrupole type in this field of research for two reasons. First, it can be set up for multiple-collector analysis, and second, it gives high-quality peak shapes. Both of these considerations are important for isotope-ratio analysis at very high precision and accuracy.
The sector-type instrument designed by Alfred Nier was such an advance in mass spectrometer design that this type of instrument is often called the Nier type. In the most general terms the instrument operates by ionizing the sample of interest, accelerating it over a potential in the kilo-volt range, and separating the resulting stream of ions according to their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z).  Beams with lighter ions bend at a smaller radius than beams with heavier ions.  The current of each ion beam is then measured using a Faraday cup or multiplier detector.
Many radiogenic isotope measurements are made by ionization of a solid source, whereas stable isotope measurements of light elements (e.g. H, C, O) are usually made in an instrument with a gas source. In a "multicollector" instrument, the ion collector typically has an array of Faraday cups, which allows the simultaneous detection of multiple isotopes.