Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers (ICP-MS) are used to determine the concentration of elements in rock and soil samples for geological studies and mineral exploration. They operate quickly and can identify over 40 items, but cannot identify Argon. A multi-collector ICP-MS is used in geochronology to determine the age of a sample. Both systems use the measured voltage comparison system to obtain scientific results and are useful in studies of geochemistry and chemical ecology.
An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) is used to determine the concentration of particular elements in rock and soil samples for geological studies. The ability to identify the contents of samples is useful in mineral exploration. A hybrid of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer is useful for providing the isotope age of minerals for radiometric dating. This technology was first used in the 1960s as a method for growing crystals. It has been enhanced to be used as an analytical tool for environmental purposes.
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers operate quickly and are particularly suitable for analyzing large quantities of sediment and soil samples. A solution of sediment or rock is placed in the plasma and the concentration of the sample is determined by the light emitted. The equipment can identify more than 40 items. Argon is one of the elements that a mass spectrometer cannot identify.
The ICP-MS equipment has three tubes, which are normally made of silica and create the torch portion of the equipment. The torch portion of the equipment is in a water cooled coil inside a RF generator. As gases pass through the torch, a radio frequency field is activated. The gas inside the coil then becomes conductive.
An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer then measures the light emitted by the ions in the sample. The light is converted into electrical signals and the intensity of the resulting signals is compared to known intensities. Matching the results to known information is what identifies the item. Elements can have many wavelengths, making experience critical when performing the analysis.
In geochronology, a multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC-ICPMS) is used. Geochronology uses the measurement of radioactive decay to determine the age of a sample. In this system, ions are produced by introduction into the plasma which strips away the electrons, leaving the positive ions. The ions are accelerated and then focused. The focused beam passes through a filter, which separates the ions based on their mass.
Both MC-ICPM and ICP-MS use the measured voltage comparison system to obtain scientific results. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers can be found in laboratories involved in soil and water sampling. They are useful in studies of geochemistry and chemical ecology. They can detect sulfur, phosphorus and boron, so they work very well for testing purification in water distribution systems.
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