Analytical performance of axial inductively coupled plasma time of flight mass spectrometry (ICP-TOFMS)

Analytical performance of an axial ICP-TOFMS, in terms of accuracy, precisi on, resolution, signal stability, repeatability, reproducibility, precision of isotope ratios and detection limits is reported. Cool plasma conditions (low power and high central gas flow) allow the determination of K, Ca and Fe at trace levels. Detection limits for 64 elements are reported with typ ical values from 0.5-20 pg ml(-1) (3 s criterion). The long-term stability over 4 h for the raw signal ranges between 1.0% RSD for Li-7 to 2.1% RSD fo r Ca-40 operating under cool plasma conditions. Under normal plasma conditi ons the corresponding values are 6.9% RSD for Pb-208 to 12.8% RSD for Co-59 . Accuracy for the determination of 16 different elements is assessed by me asuring NIST 1643d (trace elements in water), yielding results in agreement with certified values. Results for isotopic ratio determinations demonstra te that a precision of 0.07-0.7% RSD is obtained within a short data acquis ition period.