Mass-spectrographic analysis of geological samples using the low-voltage discharge source

Abstract

Problems associated with electrode performance were encountered in the application of the low-voltage discharge source to accurate quantitative analysis of non-conducting geological samples. By using compound electrodes of the sample and conducting powder, preferential loss of the conducting material from the electrode system led to imprecision and to eventual failure of the electrical discharge. The effects of discharge current and electrode composition on this denuding factor are discussed. Results are given for the analysis of three international standards: G2, BCR-1 and W-1, and a comparison is made between the results obtained by mass spectrography and by other analytical techniques used in the routine analysis of geological material. The analytical range for most elements is more than two orders of magnitude. Results reported indicate that analytical values with an accuracy of better than 10 per cent. can be obtained by using mass spectrography.