Inductive Coupled Plasma Spectrometer: ICP-MS

ICP-MS spectrometer is used for accurately and precisely measuring trace elements in aqueous and solid with either pretreatment or laser ablation device. Its applications range from routine environmental analyses and geological applications, through to clinical research, material sciences, and the semiconductor industry.

In a typical analysis, elements are placed in solution by acid digestion. The solution is sprayed/nebulized into a spray chamber and then carried by argon gas into a torch, which is inductively heated to approximately 10,000^oC. At this temperature, the gas and almost everything in it is atomized and ionized.  In ICP Mass Spectrometer,  positive ions in the plasma are focused down a quadrupole mass spectrometer. By acquiring the mass spectrum of the plasma, information can be obtained for almost the entire periodic table in just minutes with detection limits below 0.1 ug/L for most elements.

ICP-MS has many unique applications due to its superior sensitivity, It can be the method of choice for the trace determinations of most elements. 

Here is a list of the advantages of using an ICP-MS over other traditional elemental analysis techniques:

• High sample throughput

• Isotopic analyses and ratio information

• Greater control over spectral interferences

• Extreme sensitivity to achieve lower detection limits.  Some elements can be measured down to part per quadrillion range while most can be detected at part per trillion levels. Rapid quantitative multi-element determinations

• Efficient ionization

• Simple interpretation of mass spectra

• Unattended operation

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