Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry (GDMS) utilizes Argon plasma generated in a Glow Discharge Vacuum chamber, to ionize the solid sample, for mass spectrometric micro-analysis of elements and inorganic species. Infinita Lab, USA, offers this test to clients in the USA and across the world through its laboratory network.
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Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry (GDMS)
Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry (GDMS) is a form of mass spectrometry in which, usually, Argon plasma is generated using a low current electrical discharge (milliamps) in a Glow Discharge Vacuum chamber filled with Argon gas. Positively charged Argon plasma ions accelerate towards the cathode, which in the case of GDMS, is formed using the test sample. The release of sample atoms at the cathode, due to bombardment by Argon plasma, is termed ‘sputtering’. The sputtered atoms of the sample are ionized in the plasma and extracted through the anode into the mass spectrometer for detection and spectrometric analysis. Individual compounds have their own unique mass spectrum. When the spectrometer is operated in high resolution mode, this provides a powerful technique for the analysis of all trace and ultra-trace elemental constituents of inorganic materials. The Glow Discharge ion source can be operated in three different electrical modes, namely Direct Current (DC), Radio Frequency (RF) and pulsed Glow Discharge systems. The radio frequency mode is used for non-conductive samples. The pulsed mode produces higher energy plasma ions for sputtering and hence, more analytical sensitivity.
GDMS has found widespread applications in the analysis of trace-level elements and chemical species at surfaces and within conducting and nonconducting solids or dispersed liquids. It is also used in nuclear technology for characterization of nuclear fuels, and materials testing for elemental and isotopic composition.
Common Uses of Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry (GDMS)
Compositional profiling of metals, semiconductors and ceramics
Characterization of nuclear fuels and materials
Determination of radioactive contamination in environmental samples
Analysis of thin films
Advantages of Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry (GDMS)
Direct solid sample analysis, negligible sample preparation time
Full element coverage (except Hydrogen)
Detection of trace level (ppb) of species
Relatively free from Matrix effects
Limitations of Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry (GDMS)
Spectral interferences in the mass spectrum due to impurity gas ions and cluster ions
Non-conductors need to be powdered and mixed with conductive binders, since direct RF-GDMS equipment are not readily available
Sequential operation of mass analyzers limits depth profiling application when compared to optical emission spectroscopy (GD-OES)
Industrial Applications of Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry (GDMS)
ASTM E572 test method covers the analysis of stainless and alloy steels by Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (WDXRF). It provides rapid, multi-element determinations with sufficient accuracy to assure product quality.
The ASTM D2674 is a standard test method for the analysis of sulfochromate etches solution used in the surface preparation of aluminum. The ASTM D2674 standard specifies a method for determining the efficacy of an etchant used to prepare the surface of aluminum alloys for subsequent adhesive bonding.
An immunological method for quantization of Hevea Natural Rubber (HNRL) proteins using rabbit anti-HNRL serum. Rabbits immunized with HNRL proteins react to the majority of the proteins present, and their sera have the capability to detect most if not all the proteins in HNRL.
ASTM G65 measures the resistance of metallic materials to abrasion using the dry sand/rubber wheel apparatus. The quality, durability, and toughness of the sample are determined using this test. Metallic materials are ranked in their resistance to scratching abrasion under a controlled environment.
ASTM E2141 test methods provide accelerated aging and monitoring of the performance of time-dependent electrochromic devices (ECD) integrated in insulating glass units (IGU). This test helps to understand the relative serviceability of electrochromic glazings applied on ECD.
ASTM C724 test method is used in analyzing the quality and ease of maintenance of a ceramic decoration on architectural-type glass. This test method is useful in the acknowledgment of technical standards.
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