A MASS SPECTROMETER FOR INVESTIGATING LOW CONCENTRATIONS OF FREE RADICALS IN GASES
A mass spectrometer and molecular-beam inlet system are described. The instrument is suitable for investigating the reaction which takes place between carbon dioxide and graphite in a reactor. The mass spectrometer analyzer tube, which is designed to be readily accessible from all sides, can be outgassed in situ to 400 deg C, with resultant pressures of the order of 10/sup -8/ mm Hg. A maximum molecular-beam intensity at the ion source of the order of 3 x 10/sup 13/ molecules/cm/sup 2/ sec can be achleved with an inlet gas flow of 50 mu l/sec, resulting in ion beams of the order of 5 x 10/sup -11/ a at the collector. An a- c detector system, also described, has a sensitivity for trace detection of 1 part in 10/sup 6/ to 10/sup 7/. The mass spectrometer analyzer tube can be operated at potentials other than earth, and can also be operated as a conventional instrument with a conventional gas inlet system. The presence of polymers of the form (CO/sub 2/)/sub 2/, (CO/sub 2/)/sub 2/,... (CO/sub 2/)/sub 23/ has been detected when analyzing samples of commercial carbon dloxide, with intensities which depend greatly on the gas sample pressure. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority. Reactor Group, Capenhurst, Ches., England
- NSA Number:
- NSA-16-000338
- OSTI ID:
- 4823314
- Report Number(s):
- NP-10899; TRG-Report-66
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-62
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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