On-line isotope dilution in laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry using a microflow nebulizer inserted in the laser ablation chamber

Laser ablation ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) is becoming one of the most important analytical techniques for fast determination of trace impurities in solid samples. Quantification of analytical results requires matrix-matched standards, which are in some cases (e.g., high-purity metals, proteins separated by 2D gel electrophoresis) difficult to obtain or prepare. In order to overcome the quantification problem a special arrangement for on-line solution-based calibration has been proposed in laser ablation ICP-MS by the insertion of a microflow nebulizer in the laser ablation chamber. This arrangement allows an easy, accurate and precise quantification by on-line isotope dilution using a defined standard solution with an isotope enriched tracer nebulized to the laser-ablated sample material. An ideal matrix matching in LA-ICP-MS is therefore obtained during the measurement. The figures of merit of this arrangement with a microflow nebulizer inserted in the laser ablation chamber and applications of on-line isotope dilution in LA-ICP-MS on two different types of sample material (NIST glass SRM 612 and NIST apple leaves SRM 1515) will be described.