Jet-enhanced sputtering cell as an ion source for mass spectrometry

Abstract

A jet-enhanced sputtering cell, the Atomsource from Analyte Corp., Is Interfaced to a VG PlasmaQuad Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer replacing the Inductively coupled plasma. The sputtering cell allows for the direct analysis of flat metal samples by clamping them over a round opening, surrounded by an O-rlng, In one side of the cell. Six streams of argon, accelerated to high speed by passage through small nozzles and Ionized by the current, strike the sample In a hexagonal pattern, sputtering out atoms and rapidly eroding the sample surface. Ions produced by the electrical discharge enter the mass spectrometer through a modified sampling "cone" or flange. The Influences of pressure, current, anode-to-sampling flange voltage, sampling distance, and sampling flange orifice diameter are optimized to obtain Improved performance for analytical applications. Because air and water are not present during sample atomization (except as surface contaminants), there are reduced Interferences from ArO, ArC, and ArN relative to Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Detection limits are generally comparable to those obtained with the ICP-MS. Differences In Interferences Improve the detection limits In some cases, such as B and some transition elements In Zlrcaloy.

Gas chromatography combined with fast flow glow discharge mass spectrometry (GC-FFGD-MS)

“…The characteristics of the FFGD ion source for inorganic elemental analysis have been extensively studied, [25][26][27][28][29][30][31] demonstrating good sensitivity for most elements. However, the potential of the technique for wider analytical use has not previously been investigated.…”

Pulsed glow discharge in thin-walled metallic hollow cathode. Analytical possibilities in atomic and mass spectrometry

“…18,19 In modern analytical laboratories there is a requirement for analysis of both solids and liquids. There are some attempts to develop combined GD-ICP-MS instrumentation with exchangeable ion sources [20][21][22][23] in order to analyze both kinds of samples.…”

Organic mass spectrometry and control of fragmentation using a fast flow glow discharge ion source

“…The conventional GD discharge configurations discussed above are ‘static’ systems in which the discharge gas flow is very low (<5 sccm) and therefore diffusion is the dominant transport mechanism. One significant line of development in GD sources has been the introduction of high gas flows19–24 (up to 1000 sccm), and the first commercial fast flow glow discharge (FFGD) source was introduced in 2005 25…”