Optimisation in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract

The performance of a commercial inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer has been investigated as a function of a number of parameters associated with sample introduction and plasma operation. The forward r.f. power to the plasma and the nebuliser argon pressure are the two that have the greatest effect. For a variety of elements, similar optimum settings for these two variables are found. Optimising the signal due to M⁺ generally minimises the signal due to M²⁺ or MO⁺. Substantial differences between the optima for these variables in ICP-MS compared with ICP-ES are found.