UV-femtosecond laser ablation-ICP-MS for analysis of alloy samples

Abstract

Femtosecond and nanosecond laser ablation was studied for the analysis of alloy samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Two series of alloy standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technologies (NIST) were used to establish calibration graphs (NIST 625-629 and NIST 1737-1741). The quality of calibration (correlation coefficient, sensitivity and confidence intervals) was compared for ablation with the 266 nm wavelength from each laser. Accuracy and precision were established from these calibration graphs by determining the lead (²⁰⁸Pb) concentration when two of the standards were used as unknown samples (NIST 627 and 1738). Absolute quantitative measurements were obtained without using internal standards. A comparison between the calibration graphs established with the two series of standards individually and combined was performed. The use of the two series of standards combined increased the linear dynamic range of concentration as well as the accuracy and precision of analysis. Improved performance was measured using femtosecond laser pulses.