DIRECT INSERTION PROBE FOR RADIOFREQUENCY POWERED GLOW-DISCHARGE MASS-SPECTROMETRY

The design of a direct insertion probe for the direct solids elemental analysis of both electrically conductive and non-conductive materials by radiofrequency powered glow discharge mass spectrometry is described. The probe allows convenient sample interchange and utilizes small sample sizes (<0.5 cm). Spatial variations of the populations of the various ionic species within the discharge are demonstrated, indicating the ability to position judiciously the discharge in relation to the sampling orifice and the need for such positioning.