PULSED GLOW-DISCHARGE TIME-OF-FLIGHT MASS-SPECTROMETRY

Compared with all the existing types of glow discharge, the microsecon d pulsed glow discharge offers unique opportunities for the coupling o f high instantaneous power. Enhanced atomization, excitation and ioniz ation efficiencies result from the use of this type of glow discharge. The time-of-flight mass spectrometer is particularly suited for a pul sed source and has the added benefits of high ion transmission and fas t operation. Special features of this instrument are described These i nitial studies demonstrate the potential of the microsecond glow disch arge for the elemental analysis of solids.