Multi-ion counting-spark source mass spectrometry (MIC-SSMS): A new multielement technique in geo- and cosmochemistry

Abstract

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).