Special feature: Tutorial. Glow discharge mass spectrometry: Trace element determinations in solid samples

Abstract

Glow discharge mass spectrometry (GDMS) is a mature, versatile technique for the direct determination of trace elements in a variety of materials. The technique is an extension of the earliest forms of mass spectrometry. Processes inherent to the glow discharge, namely cathodic sputtering coupled with Penning ionization, yield an ion population from which semi-quantitative results can be directly obtained. QuantiÐcation in GDMS is achieved both through standard elemental mass spectrometric procedures and more innovative approaches. The analytical performance of GDMS compares favorably with competing elemental mass spectrometric methods and newer experiments use this ionization method for both molecular and elemental analysis. As with any analytical technique, the future of GDMS lies in improvements with respect to instrumental implementation and extension to new areas of application. If the method is to remain competitive, commercial GDMS systems must incorporate advances in mass spectrometric technology to increase analytical performance while decreasing the size, complexity and cost of the technique. Continued e †orts to develop improved quantitation procedures are needed to provide greater accuracy. The method should continue to mature as sustained e †orts demonstrate its utility in the solution of new and more varied problems.

Metrology and Traceability of U-Pb Isotope Dilution Geochronology (EARTHTIME Tracer Calibration Part I)

“…Ionised elements from Li to U are accelerated into a magnetic sector mass spectrometer, where they are separated and their relative abundances are measured, with a detection limit well below 1 ppb (King et al, 1995). Traceability to SI units within stated uncertainties was established at the NRC by analysis of international reference standards (Gusarova et al, 2011).…”

Studies on the Element Characteristics of Nephrite Minerals from Different Deposits by GD-MS

“…As we know, glow discharge mass spectrometry (GD-MS) is a direct solid measurement, 8,9 and it has the capability to analyze a wide range of elements from major concentrations to trace level of ng/g. 10 Elemental analysis of soils by GD-MS 11,12 and analysis of nuclear and radioactively contaminated environmental samples 13 by GD-MS have been reported in the previous studies.…”

Can Laser-Ionisation Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Be a Promising Alternative to Laser Ablation/Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry for the Elemental Analysis of Solids?

“…GD-MS is an effective tool for direct-sampling elemental analysis of solids combining trace level sensitivity 12 with the possibility of quantitative analysis. 13 GD-MS provides ppb or sub-ppb-level limits of detection for conducting solid and powdered samples 12 and non-conducting materials can also be analysed and quantified at the ppm level of detection using the secondary-cathode technique, a copper host matrix or a radio-frequency glow discharge.…”

“…13 GD-MS provides ppb or sub-ppb-level limits of detection for conducting solid and powdered samples 12 and non-conducting materials can also be analysed and quantified at the ppm level of detection using the secondary-cathode technique, a copper host matrix or a radio-frequency glow discharge.…”