Recent Developments in Ionization Processes Related to Analytical Methods in Mass Spectrometry

INTRODUCTION

The recent literature has been surveyed to review and correlate developments in ionization processes of interest to the analytical chemist. Electron impact methods are discussed in the overwhelming number of publications on mas spectrometry. The need has been to improve sensitivity of detection for many applications and research interests have been directed to the detection and identification of materials down to the pico-gram level, both by direct analysis and in conjunction with gas chromatography. Many publications have appeared that have widened the scope of spark source mass spectrometry. The use of the electrical detection in this field has increased the precision and accuracy of analysis. Rapid surveys of elemental analysis in such diverse areas as biochemistry, pollution control, and geology have become much more convenient by this method.