GD-MS – Glow Discharge-Mass Spectrometry
The glow discharge mass spectroscopy is an analytical method for the quantitative analysis of metals and nonmetals. Within the procedure, the sample to be analyzed is operated as a cathode in combination with an anode. An induced discharge produces gas ions that atomize the sample. The ablated particles are analyzed mass spectroscopically after ionization by a plasma.
The method allows a direct analysis of the sample and is suitable for trace- and ultra-trace-analysis due to its high sensitivity. Distributional analyses are possible by a layer-by-layer ablation of the sample surface. Analyzed matrices include in particular metals, alloys, oxides or ceramics.