Quantitative inorganic analysis by Q-switched laser mass spectroscopy

Abstract

The authors use a Q-switched laser for the vaporization and ionization of sample materials. The ions thus formed are separated according to energy and mass-charge ratio and finally detected with a double-focusing mass spectrometer. It is shown that this method permits semiquantitative analysis of both conducting and non-conducting inorganic materials, without the use of reference samples. The samples may be in the form of solid, powdered or liquid bulk materials, thin layers, deposits or inclusions.