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Multielement analysis of geo- and cosmochemistry by multi-ion counting-spark source mass spectrometry (MIC-SSMS) (CAT#: STEM-ST-0259-LJX)

Introduction

The photoplate detection system of a spark source mass spectrometer has been recently replaced by a detector array consisting of 20 separate small channeltrons for simultaneous ion counting of up to 20 trace elements. The new multi-ion counting – spark source mass spectrometry (MIC-SSMS) technique combines the advantages of conventional SSMS with modern on-line detection of elements. It has important analytical features, such as simple and fast solid-state sample preparation, high precision (about 1–2%) and accuracy (4%) using multielement isotope dilution, high sensitivity which leads to short measuring times (10–50 min) and low detection limits (about 0.001–0.01 μg/g).




Principle

By using vacuum spark discharge, the energy accumulated in a small volume can make the material in the volume suddenly evaporate and ionize, so as to obtain the characteristic ion current information.

Applications

(1) Solid spark source mass spectrometry: impurity analysis of high-purity materials, which can be applied to semiconductor materials, non-ferrous metals, and building materials industries;
(2) Gas isotope mass spectrometry: determination of stable isotopes C, H, N, O, S and radioactive isotopes Rb, Sr, U, Pb, K, Ar, which can be applied to geology, petroleum, medicine, environmental protection and agriculture.

Procedure

(1) An electric field is applied between the electrodes to ionize part of the carrier gas (such as argon) in the electric field;
(2) The "cathode ray" or "anode ray" generated by ionization accelerates in the direction of the opposite polarity in the residual gas, bombards the anode or cathode, and vaporizes a part of the substance to be measured on the plate;
(3) Part of the atoms of the vaporized substance are ionized in the subsequent discharge process.

Materials

• Sample Type:
Elements of Earth and cosmic chemistry

Notes

Before starting the machine, check whether the water (water cooler), electricity, gas (argon/nitrogen), temperature, humidity, and exhaust air of the instrument are normal.