Optimization of discharge parameters of a pin-type radio frequency glow discharge source for a quadrupole mass spectrometer system

Abstract

A direct insertion probe with a pin sample holder was evaluated and optimized for applications in r.f. glow discharge mass spectrometry. Discharge cell design variables, including ion sampling distance and sample size, were studied as well as the role of the plasma parameters of r.f. power, power density and discharge gas (Ar) flow/pressure. Analytical stability, (<2.5% RSD over a 45 min analysis time), reproducibility (1–5% RSD), quantification and detection limits for both conducting and non-conducting samples were evaluated.