Analysis of solids by spark source and laser mass spectrometry

This chapter examines the use of the laser and the spark source mass spectrometer (SSMS) in analytical chemistry. SSMS has been applied to virtually every known solid from frozen water to tungsten metal, from coal to ultrapure germanium, from organics to polymers. It points out that the laser mass spectrometer can be used to measure elemental profiles of elements directly in rock samples. It reports that the laser and the mass spectrometer have been interfaced to a small computer allowing control of experiments. Effects of laser parameters such as focusing, power density, repetition rates, matrix effects, and surface condition are being studied. For those interested in ceramics, this technique is suitable for direct analysis of nonconducting specimens