Analysis of solids with different matrices by buffer-gas-assisted laser ionization orthogonal time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Abstract

A laser ionization orthogonal time-of-flight mass spectrometer with a low-pressure source and high laser irradiance was used to analyze 27 solid samples with 9 different matrices, including aluminium, soil, copper sulfide, zinc sulfide, iron, nickel, copper, zinc, and tungsten. The influence of laser energy on non-stoichiometric effects, such as matrix effects and elemental fractionation, has been investigated. The results indicate that matrix effects can be alleviated to a great extent at high laser irradiance. Additionally, with the irradiance of 1010–1011 W cm−2, most elements presented relatively stable relative sensitivity coefficients (RSC), while W, Pb, and Bi demonstrated unusual characteristics that their RSCs increased along with increasing laser energy.