Pulsed glow discharge time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Compared with all the existing types of glow discharge, the microsecond pulsed glow discharge offers unique opportunities for the coupling of high instantaneous power. Enhanced atomization, excitation and ionization efficiencies result from the use of this type of glow discharge. The time-of-flight mass spectrometer is particularly suited for a pulsed source and has the added benefits of high ion transmission and fast operation. Special features of this instrument are described These initial studies demonstrate the potential of the microsecond glow discharge for the elemental analysis of solids.