Magnetic-field-assisted femto-second laser open-air mass spectrometry Available to Purchase

Based on their inherent features and various light- material interactions, the lasers empower tremendous opportunities in advancing mass spectrometry (MS) and significantly expanded its application scopes. By utilizing laser ablation, sampling and ionizing hard materials in open air are made possible. However, due to rapid ion dissociation and low ionization efficiency in open air, corresponding detection limit and sensitivity are far from satisfactory. In this study, an integrated MS analytic technique is reported combining femto-second (fs) laser ablation and magnetic-field confinement to improve plasma ionization efficiency, confine plasma propagation, and promote ion collection efficiency. As the results, signal-to-noises (SNRs) of trace elements, such as Al, Si and Pb, in standard NIST samples are obviously improved. The direction of the external magnetic field demonstrates apparent influence in the SNR improvements with the best results obtained when the magnetic field drives the ions towards the MS orifice. The enhancement factors (EFs) of 8.30, 8.22 and 8.50 are achieved in detecting Pb isotopes of 206Pb, 207Pb, and 208Pb, respectively. The limits of detections (LODs) were reduced from 9.75, 32.9, and 8.19 ppm to 2.32, 6.02, and 1.98 ppm, respectively for 206Pb, 207Pb, and 208Pb.