Compariton of quadrupole ICP-MS and magnetic sector ICP-MS for the analysis of U-Th series isotopes in natural samples

Conference · Fri Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:126716

Shaw, T J

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) provides an ideal method for the analysis of refractory elements such as U and Th in natural samples. The excellent sensitivity and relative absence of interferences in the high mass ranges has made the analysis of the more abundant isotopes of uranium and thorium routine. However, the analysis of daughter isotopes such as {sup 230}Th, {sup 231}Pa, and {sup 234}U present more complex problems related to abundance sensitivity, hydride generation and detector dynamic range. Tailing of high abundance isotopes (e.g., {sup 232}Th) into neighboring masses is a problem for measurement of mother daughter pairs in the U-Th series. Detector dynamic range is also a major problem when measuring both high and low abundance isotopes using conventional ion multipliers. This paper considers the relative merits of the current generation of quadrupole ICP-MS and magnetic sector ICP-MS instruments for these analyses.

• OSTI ID: 126716
• Report Number(s): CONF-950402--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

40 CHEMISTRY
ABUNDANCE
DETECTION
ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS
ICP MASS SPECTROSCOPY
SENSITIVITY
THORIUM
URANIUM