Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry or ICP-MS is an analytical technique
used for elemental determinations. The technique was commercially introduced in 1983
and has gained general acceptance in many types of laboratories. Geochemical analysis
labs were early adopters of ICP-MS technology because of its superior detection
capabilities, particularly for the rare-earth elements (REEs). ICP-MS has many
advantages over other elemental analysis techniques such as atomic absorption and
optical emission spectrometry, including ICP Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES),
including:
• Detection limits for most elements equal to or better than those obtained by
Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (GFAAS).
• Higher throughput than GFAAS
• The ability to handle both simple and complex matrices with a minimum of
matrix interferences due to the high-temperature of the ICP source
• Superior detection capability to ICP-AES with the same sample throughput
• The ability to obtain isotopic information
An ICP-MS combines a hightemperature
ICP (Inductively
Coupled Plasma) source with a
mass spectrometer. The ICP
source converts the atoms of the
elements in the sample to ions.
These ions are then separated and
detected by the mass spectrometer.
Figure 1 shows a schematic
representation of an ICP source in
an ICP-MS. Argon gas flows
inside the concentric channels of
the ICP torch. The RF load coil is
connected to a radio-frequency
(RF) generator. As power is
supplied to the load coil from the
generator, oscillating electric and
magnetic fields are established at
the end of the torch. When a spark
is applied to the argon flowing
through the ICP torch, electrons