ICP-MS Sample Ionization and Detection

ICP-MS uses an inductively coupled plasma torch to turn samples into ions for mass analysis. Solid samples are first dissolved and volatilized before they enter the hot argon plasma. Solution samples are nebulized, which means they are converted into a fine spray, and then passed through the same plasma.

Inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry, or ICP–MS, uses an ICP source to prepare samples for atomic mass spectrometry.

Solution-state samples are nebulized and passed through high-temperature argon plasma.

The plasma breaks down the analyte and ionizes its component atoms, and the mass spectrometer determines the relative amo...