Abstract: A method for identifying ions that generated mass spectral data, comprises acquiring raw mass spectral data in profile mode containing at least one ion of interest; performing at least one of mass spectral calibration involving peak shape and a determination of actual peak shape function associated with the acquired raw mass spectral data; considering at least one possible elemental composition of the ion; calculating theoretical mass spectral data for said elemental composition using the actual peak shape function; performing a normalization between corresponding parts of the theoretical mass spectral data and that of the raw or calibrated mass spectral data; and displaying mass spectral congruence between at least two mass spectra where one spectrum is the normalized version of the other corresponding to said possible elemental composition. The unique display and method assist in readily identifying ions.

Abstract: A sample cell for absorption spectrometry of small volume samples in a continuously flowing carrier gas stream is in the form of an elongate small-bore hollow tube with optically transparent end windows -sealed to the tube and held so as to axially captivate the tube within a through-bore in a rigid, thermally conducting, holder. Radial openings through the tube proximate the window seal, together with matching bores in the holder, are provided to accommodate fluid transfer lines. The transfer lines are resiliently sealed to tube and holder to permit differential expansion between tube and holder.