Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICPMS) is the state-of-the-art analytical instrument and solution based technique whereby samples are prepared and introduced in liquid forms (aqueous or organic solvent) for analysis.

With utilisation of argon a plasma, having a temperature as high as 8000°C is capable to thermally excite nearly all elements which then emit light (photons) at their characteristic wavelengths. The respective light emissions are collected at two view modes (axial and radial) by the spectrophotometer and subsequently resolved into a spectrum. By measuring the intensity of the emitted light from a series of prepared solutions of elements the concentration of particular element(s) can be derived from a calibration curve. ICPMS is capable to detect ultra-trace level of elements in parts per billions (even trillions) level.