Preliminary evaluation of a miniaturized torch for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Preliminary studies have shown that a 13 mm (miniature) torch can be used successfully as an ion source for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) but with a tenfold loss in detection capability. The 13 mm torch can be operated at total argon flows of 9 l/min, lower than an optimized conventional ICP torch. The 13 mm torch produces nearly the same background and linear dynamic range as the conventional-sized torch. However, there is approximately one order of magnitude degradation in sensitivity and detection limits and the production of doubly charged ions is more pronounced.