A composition analyzer for microparticles using a spark ion source
Abstract
Iron microparticles were fired onto a capacitor-type microparticle detector which responded to an impact with a spark discharge. Ion currents were extracted from the spark and analyzed in a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The mass spectra showed the element of both detector and particle materials. The total extracted ion currents was typically 10A within a period of 100ns, indicating very efficient vaporization of the particle and ionization of the vapor. Potential applications include research on cosmic dust, atmospheric aerosols and cloud droplets, particles ejected by rocket or jet engines, by machining processes, or by nuclear bomb explosions.
- Publication:
-
NASA STI/Recon Technical Report N
- Pub Date:
- March 1975
- Bibcode:
- 1975STIN...7521597A
- Keywords:
-
- Electric Sparks;
- Ion Currents;
- Microparticles;
- Time Of Flight Spectrometers;
- Analyzers;
- Chemical Composition;
- Ion Production Rates;
- Ion Sources;
- Mass Spectra;
- Instrumentation and Photography