Optimization techniques for improving the precision of isotopic analysis by thermal ionization mass spectrometry, taking strontium, neodymium, lead, and osmium as examples

ABSTRACT

Several optimization techniques have been suggested to improve the signal and precision of analyses by thermal ionization mass spectrometry. Our work shows that tungsten filament is likely the most efficient for ionizing strontium when selecting from tungsten, rhenium, and tantalum filament. Deviations of isotopic ratios could be due to the degradation of the Faraday cups. This disadvantage could be avoided through eliminating the imperfect cup from the cup configuration. The high background produced from usage of rhenium filament could be decreased by cleaning the ion source and baking the source housing.

KEYWORDS:

• High precision
• isotopic analysis
• optimization technique
• thermal ionization mass spectrometry

Acknowledgment

We would especially like to thank six anonymous reviewers whose suggestions improved the quality of the manuscript.