High performance Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometer (GDMS) for ultra-trace elemental analysis

Full Text: The GD90 Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometer is based on a forward geometry double focusing sector instrument. It is based on the proven high performance Autoconcept Organic Instrument ion optic platform which has a very high resolution with greater transmission efficiency. The SIM mode of operation as applied to Dioxin Analysis enable rapid measurement of all elements in several groups attained by a fully laminated magnet with faster scan speed. The GD90 Instruments with modern data system has become an industry standard for the analysis of trace elements in solid metals, alloys and semiconductors with detection limits to ppt levels. The added advantage of GD having the atomisation and ionisation processes occurring separately in space and time results in a uniform response with minor variation in sensitivities and very little matrix dependency. Therefore, quantification is possible without the absolute need of matrix matched standards. The simplicity of the sample preparation for both flat and pin samples has enable the GD technique to produce reliable data as any contamination on surface is sputtered or atomised and because there is minimal matrix dependency, the need for further calibration or RSF correction is not required. This is a weakness in other techniques where a change in matrix status occurs due to stages of the sample preparation. The ability to do a survey scan with a fast scanning magnet enables the depth profiling to be performed comfortably to sub micron. This allows good data to be produced on surface coating and treatments. The need for the GD Instrument is critical for the pure metal manufacturers, semiconductor Industry, Alloy manufacturer and service laboratory where low level detection is required