ABSTRACT
In spark source mass spectrometry (SSMS), a powdered solid sample (mixed with graphite if not itself conducting, and pressed into electrodes) is vaporised under vacuum by a high-voltage radiofrequency spark. Ions in the resulting plasma are analysed using a high-resolution mass spectrometer in which mass peaks may be recorded photographically or electrically. The advantages of SSMS include wide element coverage, an extensive concentration range and analysis of solid materials without dissolution.
