Matrix Dependency of Relative Sensitivity Factors in Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Matrix dependency of relative sensitivity factors (RSFs) in glow discharge mass spectrometry has been systematically investigated. RSFs were determined using pin-shaped and disk-shaped samples prepared from the same blocks. The matrices are Fe, Ni, Al, Cu and Ti. The numbers of elements (isotopes) whose RSFs were determined in the respective matrices are 40, 35, 24, 36 and 12. Using the method of least square, the RSFs for.respective matrices are compared each other. There exists a strong correlation between the RSFs for the different matrices. Thus, the RSFs for a matrix can be transformed for other matrices by the simple multiplication of appropriate coefficients. However, the coefficient for Al matrix is not equal to the value of the RSF of Al element in the relevant matrices. The five sets of the values of the RSFs after transformation to Fe matrix agree each other. The relative errors for the pin-shaped and the disk-shaped samples are almost within 30% and 20%, respectively. The large error for the pin-shaped samples is probably caused by the minute difference of the shape of the prepared samples. Furthermore, the ion beam intensities for the disk-shaped samples were always higher than those for the pin-shaped samples. The fact will also cause the small error for the disk-shaped samples. For precise analyses, disk-shaped samples are recommended.