ABSTRACT

In this chapter, the authors present an overview of Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and explain how its characteristic low detection limits are achieved. This interface region consists of two or three metallic cones, called the sampler and a skimmer cone, each with a small orifice to allow the ions to pass through to the ion optics, where they are guided into the mass separation device. It is important to emphasize that because of the enormous interest in the technique, most ICP-MS instrument companies have very active R&D programs in place, in order to get an edge in a very competitive marketplace. Although this is extremely beneficial for the ICP-MS user community, it can pose a problem for a writer of textbooks who is attempting to present a snapshot of instrument hardware and software components at a particular moment in time.