Detection limits discharge mass spectrometry

For analysis of solutions, ICP-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is very promising (Houk et al., 1980 Houk, 1986 Bacon et al., 1990). Recent advances in separation and preconcentration techniques are discussed by Horvath et al. (1991). Bacon et al. (1990) report that although ICP-MS is a multi-element technique, recent papers tend to concentrate on a small number of target elements. With isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS), detection limits are further reduced (Heumann, 1988) IDMS is also suitable for accurate speciation in very low concentration levels of elements (Heumann, 1990). For the direct analysis of solid samples, glow discharge mass spectrometry (GD-MS) (Harrison etal., 1986) is of interest. Tolg (1988) has suggested that a substantial improvement in the absolute detection power of GD-MS, as applied to micro analysis, can be expected, at least in comparison with the ICP as ion source. 

Table 8.60 shows the main features of GD-MS. Whereas d.c.-GD-MS is commercial, r.f.-GD-MS lacks commercial instruments, which limits spreading. Glow discharge is much more reliable than spark-source mass spectrometry. GD-MS is particularly valuable for studies of alloys and semiconductors [371], Detection limits at the ppb level have been reported for GD-MS [372], as compared to typical values of 10 ppm for GD-AES. The quantitative performance of GD-MS is uncertain. It appears that 5 % quantitative results are possible, assuming suitable standards are available for direct comparison of ion currents [373], Sources of error that may contribute to quantitative uncertainty include sample inhomogeneity, spectral interferences, matrix differences and changes in discharge conditions. 

Glow discharge-sector field mass spectrometry (GD-SFMS) provides low limits of detection ( ng/g) and high mass resolution (up to 10,000) which helps to overcome problems due to molecular species formed in the plasma which can appear at the same nominal mass as the peaks of interest. Nevertheless, the fact that all GD-SFMS systems are sequential in nature is a serious limitation for the analysis of fast signals (e.g., depth profiling studies). 

---