Question

Describe the interface between the ICP torch and the mass spectrometer in an ICPMS instrument.

Short answer

The ICP torch and mass spectrometer are connected by a water-cooled metal cone with two orifices.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Given information

They have asked about interface of ICP torch and mass spectromwter.

Step 2. Concept used

ICPMS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy) is a form of atomic mass spectroscopy that is widely used. This mass spectroscopy is used to determine one or more elements in a sample of matter in a quantitative, semi-quantitative, or qualitative manner. It is a technique for finding the components in a sample that is quick, precise, and accurate. It's commonly used to examine chemical, biological, industrial, and petrochemical materials.

Step 3. Interface between mass spectrometer and ICP torch

A water-cooled metal cone serves as the interface. An orifice, similar to an oral cavity, is positioned in the middle. The area behind the cone is under around 1 torr of pressure. Negatively charged ions, positively charged ions, and electrons all exist in hot plasma.

The hot gases fall on the cone, and some of them pass through the opening, where they are cooled by expansion. A portion of the cooled gas goes through the second opening, where it is kept at the mass spectrometer's pressure. Negative ions are driven into the mass spectrometer after positive ions are separated from electrons.