Mass spectrometer determination of argon contents in laser fusion target pellets

A system for measuring argon contents in individual laser fusion targets using a getter pumped closed volume quadrupole mass spectrometer is developed. Accuracy of 10 percent can be obtained, limited by the calibration standard and electron multiplier drift. Measurements are simple, unambiguous and can be performed at up to one per hour with a sensitivity equivalent to 1,000 Pa (.01 atm) argon in a 140 micrometers internal diameter sphere.