Thermo Fisher Scientific Develops New Method for High Purity Aluminum Analysis Using Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry
SAN JOSE, Calif. (March 29, 2011) - Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today announced the availability of a new application note that describes how to use the unique capabilities of the Thermo Scientific ELEMENT GD glow discharge mass spectrometer to accurately and efficiently characterize high purity aluminum. The ELEMENT GD is a powerful and sensitive tool that precisely determines ultra-trace impurities in solid samples with minimal sample preparation, which lowers the risk of contamination. The new application note, entitled "High Purity Aluminum Analysis by Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry" is available to download free-of-charge via http://www.thermoscientific.com/aluminium
Aluminum of 5N or 6N grade, especially with very low alpha emitters (U, Th) content, is widely used in specialty electronic and chemical applications. Performing analytical characterization of 5N or higher aluminum is challenging, however, since very low detection limits are required for the majority of elements. Compared to other metals, aluminum requires a high discharge current to achieve matrix signals on the order of 1010 cps in medium resolution. Such a level is necessary to achieve sub-ppb detection limits during analyses. The Thermo Scientific ELEMENT GD effectively addresses these challenges, enabling analysts to routinely achieve ultra-low detection limits directly in aluminum, even below parts per billion. Featuring a high-powered DC glow-discharge source, the system is designed to ensure stable discharge conditions throughout the analytical cycle.
Experimental results demonstrate that, owing to its extreme sensitivity, the Thermo Scientific ELEMENT GD can accurately specify impurities in aluminium at concentrations less than 1 ppb. Equipped with a fast-flow DC glow-discharge source, the system provides high sputter rates and sensitivity. In addition, the sector field mass analyzer used in the system provides high mass accuracy and precision, providing highly efficient measurement of the elements of interest. Another key advantage is that sample throughput is approximately three samples per hour for the determination of 70 elements at concentrations close to the detection limit. This throughput is about five times faster than that achieved with previously available GD-MS instrumentation.
The new application note provides a detailed overview of the analytical process followed in order to characterize aluminum using the ELEMENT GD, including sample preparation, instrument settings, calibration conditions and method development.
For more information about the ELEMENT GD or to obtain the application note, please call 1-800-532-4752, e-mail analyze@thermo.com or visit http://www.thermoscientific.com/aluminium.
About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. With revenues of nearly $11 billion, we have approximately 37,000 employees and serve customers within pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as well as in environmental and process control industries. We create value for our key stakeholders through two premier brands, Thermo Scientific and Fisher Scientific, which offer a unique combination of continuous technology development and the most convenient purchasing options. Our products and services help accelerate the pace of scientific discovery, and solve analytical challenges ranging from complex research to routine testing to field applications. Visit www.thermofisher.com.
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