Mass spectrometry of solids

Abstract

This article describes the techniques used for the isotopic and chemical analysis of solid materials employing the mass spectrometer as an analytical tool. It describes in detail the types of ion sources and detectors needed for this work, and reviews some of the more recent developments in these fields. Spark source mass spectrometry is discussed, and applications of the mass spectrometer to nuclear physics, isotope dilution, geology, thermodynamic studies and field ionization are discussed.