Eth Zurich

Paul Scherrer Institut

Detlef Günther

Daniel Grolimund

Hao Wang

Thomas Vonderach

Bodo Hattendorf

An ICP source () for generating ions using an inductively coupled plasma is configured to be coupled to a mass spectrometer (). The sample is introduced into the plasma along a downwards-pointing vertical direction (G) under the action of gravity. In this manner, the sample can reach the plasma regardless of its condition, e.g., regardless of droplet or particle size. Transport efficiencies of up to 100% can be achieved. The ICP source can be supplied with a continuous stream comprising the sample.

Ion source for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

A laser ablation cell () comprises a flow channel () having an essentially constant cross-sectional area so as to ensure a strictly laminar flow in the flow channel. A sample chamber () is provided adjacent to a lateral opening () of the flow channel. A laser beam () enters the sample chamber () through a lateral window () and impinges on a surface () of a sample () to ablate material from the sample. The sample may be positioned in such a distance from the flow channel that the laser-generated aerosol mass distribution has its center within the flow channel. This leads to short aerosol washout times. The laser ablation cell is particularly well suited for aerosol generation in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS), including imaging applications.

Laser ablation cell

A laser ablation cell () comprises a flow channel () having an essentially constant cross-sectional area so as to ensure a strictly laminar flow in the flow channel. A sample chamber () is provided adjacent to a lateral opening () of the flow channel. A laser beam () enters the sample chamber () through a lateral window () and impinges on a surface () of a sample () to ablate material from the sample. The sample may be positioned in such a distance from the flow channel that the laser-generated aerosol mass distribution has its center within the flow channel. This leads to short aerosol washout times. The laser ablation as cell is particularly well suited for aerosol generation in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS), including imaging applications.

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Zurich, Switzerland

Detlef Günther