Evolution and revolution in instrumentation for plasma-source mass spectrometry

Plasma-source mass spectrometry, usually in the form of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), has matured into a widely accepted method for ultra-trace multielemental analysis. However, the method exhibits shortcomings. For example, it does not provide adequate precision for isotope...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pure and applied chemistry 2001-10, Vol.73 (10), p.1579-1588
Main Authors: Hieftje, Gary M., Barnes, James H., Grøn, Ole A., Leach, Andrew M., McClenathan, Denise M., Ray, Steven J., Solyom, David A., Wetzel, William C., Denton, M. Bonner, Koppenaal, David W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Emission spectroscopy
Fluid filters
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Instruments
Ions
Isotope ratios
Laser ablation
Mass spectrometry
Quadrupoles
Resolution
Sampling
Scientific imaging
Vaporization
Citations: Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Plasma-source mass spectrometry, usually in the form of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), has matured into a widely accepted method for ultra-trace multielemental analysis. However, the method exhibits shortcomings. For example, it does not provide adequate precision for isotope ratio measurements if many isotopes are to be determined. Moreover, isobaric overlaps (spectral interferences) can be very troublesome in some situations. Similarly, matrix interferences can adversely affect many determinations. Yet, it is in the area of high-speed transient measurements that ICP-MS perhaps suffers its greatest weakness. When sampling devices such as flow injection, laser ablation, electrothermal vaporization, or chromatography are employed, the user must choose between broad elemental or isotopic coverage and signal-to-noise ratio (S/N). In turn, compromised S/N means lower precision or poorer detection limits. Here, new instrumentation aimed at overcoming these limitations will be described. One system, based on a time-of-flight mass spectrometer, provides excellent detection limits, resolving power better than commercial quadrupole mass filters, precision of at least 0.02% rsd in a ratioing mode, and extraordinarily high speed for use with transient sampling devices. The second instrument is based on a sector-field mass spectrometer but, unlike other such units, is equipped with a focal-plane array detector. So equipped, the system can detect a broad mass range at once.
ISSN:0033-4545
1365-3075
DOI:10.1351/pac200173101579