In recent years, the needs of mass spectrometry for biological samples have rapidly increased. In this study, in order to analyze water-containing biological samples using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), a rapid-cooling method, sectioning system, and a sample introduction method that could avoid frost formation in plant biological samples were developed. It was confirmed that both frost formation and evaporation of volatile compounds were prevented by a rapid-cooling and new introduction method. Essential elements and H2O could be detected by this new rapid-cooling TOF-SIMS methodology. Therefore, SIMS analysis in the natural state became possible.
The characterization of radionuclides in Fukushima is important to determine their origins and current state in the environment. Radionuclides exist as fine particles and are mixed with other constituents. A measurement method with both micro-imaging capability and highly selective element detection is necessary to analyze these particles. We developed such an imaging technique using a time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and wavelength-tunable Ti:Sapphire lasers for the resonance ionization of target elements without mass interference. This is called resonant laser ionization sputtered neutral mass spectrometry. The instrument has a high lateral resolution and a higher ionization selectivity using two-step resonance excitation of Cs with two lasers at different wavelengths. Optimization of the wavelength for resonance ionization using a Cs compound was performed, and a real environmental particle containing radioactive Cs was analyzed. Isotope images of three kinds of Cs were successfully obtained without interfere from Ba isotopes for the first time.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.