Abstract: A system for interfacing Capillary Zone Electrophoresis (CZE) systems to Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) sample analysis systems is disclosed. The interface system includes a Sample Introduction Electrophoresis Capillary Tube as an integral part of a modified Direct Injection Nebulizer (DIN) system. During use sample components separated by (CZE) are entered to the modified (DIN) via a sample introduction electrophoresis capillary tube present therein, in which modified (DIN) they are mixed with an entered make-up liquid. The make-up liquid is conductive and serves to make electrophoresis effecting electrical contact to the end of the sample introduction electrophoresis capillary tube in the modified (DIN).

Abstract: A system and method of use for providing nearly one-hundred (100%) percent of volatile component(s) present in a liquid solution as a gaseous phase volatile component(s) sample to a sample analysis system, at relatively sequentially constant buffered pressure and flow rate, is disclosed. The present invention also provides for quick, immediate and active removal of a remaining liquid solution mixture entered thereto to reduce carry-over contamination. The present invention is particularly well suited for use with flame and plasma based sample analysis systems and its use serves to greatly increase achievable stability of their operation, and sensitivity to volatile component(s) such as, As, Se, Sb, Sn, Hg, B and Te.

Abstract: A sequential combination solvent removal system comprising at least one low temperature condenser solvent removal system interconnected to at least one enclosed filter solvent removal system is described. The sequential combination solvent removal system is capable of providing stable levels of solvent vapor in exiting mixtures of solvent vapor and nebulized sample particles, whether the solvent is aqueous or organic, and regardless of the type of sample solution nebulizer used to provide nebulized sample solution droplets to a preceding desolvation system, or of the flow rate of solvent vapor into said sequential combination solvent removal system. In the preferred embodiment a low temperature condenser solvent removal system is first in line and is followed by a functionally attached enclosed filter solvent removal system.

Abstract: Spectrophotometric sample analysis systems, and methods of their use, capable of "simultaneously" detecting, quantifying, displaying and/or recording energy absorption factors, and ratios of various energy absorbtion factors, regarding a multiplicity of single frequency electromagnetic waves in a beam of multiple single wavelength electromagnetic waves which is caused to pass through a sample analyte containing sample solution, are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for extending the limits of detection of plasma based sample analysis systems is disclosed. The preferred embodiment of the present invention system provides a reaction tube which is connected to both a furnace tube and a discharge tube. During use a nebulized sample is caused to pass through the furnace tube wherein its temperature is caused to become elevated. As well, a volatile atom containing, primarily molecular, gas is caused to flow through the discharge tube, while an energy providing electrical discharge occurs therein, such that dissociated volatile atoms are produced. The method of the present invention provides that typically elevated temperature nebulized sample, and the dissociated volatile atoms, be simultaneously entered into a reaction means wherein relatively easily dissociated molecules containing nebulized sample components are formed.

Abstract: A method detecting the presence or concentration of an analyte in a sample is described in which the sample is mixed with a particulate reagent to form a stable flowable suspension prior to introduction of the sample into an analytical device or detector in order to eliminate memory effects. Preconcentration of the sample bound to the particulate reagent improves sensitivity of the analytical method.

Abstract: Single and multiple photoionization lamp systems contained in machinable photon radiation transparent material such as crystalline magnesium or lithium fluoride are disclosed. A preferred embodiment of a photoionization lamp fabricated in machinable photon radiation transparent material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A direct injection micro nebulizer based sample introduction system for use in nebulizing sample solutions in close proximity to sample analysis systems, with desolvation and solvent removal capability is disclosed. The present invention offers design features and utility not available in previously known micro nebulizer systems. Predominantly unibody design and use of nonmetalic, hydrofloric acid resistant construction materials are taught. The present invention allows easy cleaning and adjustment of element relationships which are necessary to proper operation of direct injection micro nebulizer systems. Use of separate or integrated protective sleeving on otherwise crushable sample solution delivery tubing is disclosed. Special direct injection micro nebulizer top elements and torch designs are also disclosed.

Abstract: An efficient sample introduction system and method of use, for accepting liquid sample solutions, nebulizing them to form nebulized sample solution droplets, and introducing the nebulized sample solution droplets to sample analysis systems is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment desolvation of produced nebulized sample solution droplets, and solvent removal, to provide nebulized sample particles is performed prior to entering sample to a sample analysis system. Nebulization of sample solutions is accomplished by use of high efficiency ultrasonic nebulizers and solvent removal is accomplished by use of high efficiency enclosed filter and solvent vapor removal gas flow or low temperature condenser systems. The sample introduction system provides improved sample solution nebulization, desolvation and solvent removal, as well as reduced sample loss and carry-over of sample from one analysis procedure to a subsequent analysis procedure, as compared to other systems which perform a similar overall function.

Abstract: Torches of the type used in Inductively Coupled Plasma sample analysis systems are disclosed. The torches are designed to provide a user with the ability to minimize sample carry-over and torch clogging problems during use. The torches are suitable for use with high solids content samples prepared by ultrasonic nebulization and other high efficiency sample introduction systems. The torches incorporate means based upon design criteria which include minimization of critical tapers or constrictions in sample injecting tube and other tubes of a torch, providing means which allow control of the temperature of various components in a torch and indirectly a sample per se introduced thereto, and providing means which allow auxiliary gas flows through a torch which aid sample flow through the torch. In addition, external control of sample solvent vapor content can be practiced during an analysis procedure to further reduce any tendency of sample solids to adhere to and accumulate upon torch components.

Abstract: A direct injection micro nebulizer system for use in nebulizing sample solutions in close proximity to sample analysis systems, is disclosed. The present invention offers design features and utility not available in previously known micro nebulizer systems. The present invention, preferrably, provides single piece unibody construction of the primary body element, and construction of all element thereof from nonmetallic, hydrofloric acid resistant materials. The present invention allows easy cleaning and adjustment of element relationships which are necessary to proper operation of direct injection micro nebulizer systems. Use of separate or integrated protective sleeving on otherwise crushable sample solution delivery tubing is also disclosed. Use of the direct injection micro nebulizer with standard and specially designed inductively coupled plasma torches, as well as other sample analysis systems is disclosed.

Abstract: An system and method for use for analyzing samples in mass spectrometers using afterglow metastable species at atmospheric pressure to controllably dissociate, fragment and ionize sample is disclosed. Metastable species are created at atmospheric pressure by application of adjustable intensity and/or frequency electrical energy in one portion of a modular electric discharge chamber, then are caused to interact with sample in a distally located portion of the electric discharge chamber, termed the "afterglow" portion, to produce ionized sample molecules and ionized sample fragments etc. The system and method can be used with any source of sample but a preferred embodiment utilizes an ultrasonic nebulizer to nebulize sample solutions, such as conventional liquid chromatography system effluents, into sample solution droplets, followed by desolvation thereof to provide nebulized sample particles, prior to sample entry to the "afterglow" portion of an electric discharge chamber.

Abstract: A double pass tandem cooling aerosol condenser apparatus for receiving aerosol from a liquid solution for a specimen sample which has been prepared for injection into an inductively coupled plasma associated with an emission spectra or mass spectrometer comprises inner and outer compartments for circulating a coolant therethrough. The aerosol, comprising solvent and analyte particles, is passed through compartments of the condenser which are interposed between the inner and outer coolant compartment. The temperature of the aerosol compartment is adjusted and controlled such that the solvent particles, which would otherwise quench the inductively coupled plasma, are condensed and stripped from the aerosol leaving a relatively stable, dry aerosol containing the desolvated analyte particles for spectrometric analysis.