System Setup and Parameter Optimization for a Desolvating Nebulizer Unit with Multicollector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry for Stable and Radiogenic Isotope Ratio Measurements

Multicollector ICP-MS instruments are widely used in geochemistry for high precision isotope ratio measurements. Signal enhancement and / or interference reduction (ex. oxides and hydrides) is often necessary for useful measurement of low abundant isotopes and mass-limited samples.

This work will describe the setup and optimization of a new desolvating nebulizer accessory for multicollector ICP-MS. Important accessory benefits include inert wetted components for HF-containing samples, heated inert spray chamber and membrane desolvator for optimum sample transport efficiency, and mass flow controllers with computer software for Ar sweep and N2 addition gases.

The nebulizer accessory is applied with multicollector ICP-MS for uranium-thorium dating, as is commonly used for cave and coral calcite and aragonite samples.

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