Gas-flow optimization studies on brass samples using closed and open types of laser ablation cells in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

► With closed cell, the signals increased with the carrier gas flow (0.4-1.0 L min− 1 Ar). ► The effect was similar with the total and with the ablation cell carrier gas flow. ► The increase of Zn/Cu signal ratio was explained by classical condensation theory. ► The open ablation cell was operated with a membrane pump for aerosol transport. ► The transport efficiency of the pump limited the analytical sensitivity.