Noise characteristics and analytical precision of a direct injection high efficiency and micro concentric nebuliser for sample introduction in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract

Noise power spectra and analytical precision data were generated and compared for a direct injection high efficiency nebuliser, DIHEN, and a micro concentric nebuliser, MCN, combined with a double pass or cyclone spray chamber for sample introduction in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, ICP-MS. The different systems were compared using liquid flow rates of 85 or 100 µL min−1. Steady-state signals for 115In+ and steady-state isotope ratio measurements for 107Ag+/109Ag+ were chosen for the investigation. For background and shot noise limited precision the DIHEN was found to give better precision than the double pass spray chamber system due to higher sensitivity. For flicker noise limited precision it was found that white noise and pump interference noise were higher, and 1/f noise and mains power interference noise were lower, for the DIHEN compared to the spray chamber systems. As a result of this, for 115In+ measurements, the DIHEN gave 2–9 times higher relative standard deviation, RSD, at measurement frequencies above 1 Hz but slightly lower RSD (not statistically significant) at frequencies below 0.1 Hz compared to the conventional systems. For the isotope ratio measurements, due to the high white noise level, the DIHEN generally gave poorer precision compared to the double pass spray chamber system. To convincingly explain the rationale for the observed flicker noise limited precision data, the effect of different noise components on analytical precision was evaluated. This study made obvious the relationship between precision and different noise components visualised in noise power spectra. Such information is useful for rational optimisation of operating conditions and technical developments of instrumentation. The mathematical simulation procedure used for this study was also applied to experimental data to predict analytical precision at typical measurement frequencies.