Abstract: An ICP source (100) for generating ions using an inductively coupled plasma is configured to be coupled to a mass spectrometer (200). The sample is introduced into the plasma along a downwards-pointing vertical direction (G) under the action of gravity. In this manner, the sample can reach the plasma regardless of its condition, e.g., regardless of droplet or particle size. Transport efficiencies of up to 100% can be achieved. The ICP source can be supplied with a continuous stream comprising the sample.

Abstract: A laser ablation cell (1) comprises a flow channel (11) having an essentially constant cross-sectional area so as to ensure a strictly laminar flow in the flow channel. A sample chamber (21) is provided adjacent to a lateral opening (14) of the flow channel. A laser beam (41) enters the sample chamber (21) through a lateral window (16) and impinges on a surface (24) of a sample (23) to ablate material from the sample. The sample may be positioned in such a distance from the flow channel that the laser-generated aerosol mass distribution has its center within the flow channel. This leads to short aerosol washout times. The laser ablation cell is particularly well suited for aerosol generation in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS), including imaging applications.

Abstract: A laser ablation cell (1) comprises a flow channel (11) having an essentially constant cross-sectional area so as to ensure a strictly laminar flow in the flow channel. A sample chamber (21) is provided adjacent to a lateral opening (14) of the flow channel. A laser beam (41) enters the sample chamber (21) through a lateral window (16) and impinges on a surface (24) of a sample (23) to ablate material from the sample. The sample may be positioned in such a distance from the flow channel that the laser-generated aerosol mass distribution has its center within the flow channel. This leads to short aerosol washout times. The laser ablation cell is particularly well suited for aerosol generation in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS), including imaging applications.

Abstract: A laser ablation cell (1) comprises a flow channel (11) having an essentially constant cross-sectional area so as to ensure a strictly laminar flow in the flow channel. A sample chamber (21) is provided adjacent to a lateral opening (14) of the flow channel. A laser beam (41) enters the sample chamber (21) through a lateral window (16) and impinges on a surface (24) of a sample (23) to ablate material from the sample. The sample may be positioned in such a distance from the flow channel that the laser-generated aerosol mass distribution has its center within the flow channel. This leads to short aerosol washout times. The laser ablation cell is particularly well suited for aerosol generation in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS), including imaging applications.

Abstract: A laser ablation cell (1) comprises a flow channel (11) having an essentially constant cross-sectional area so as to ensure a strictly laminar flow in the flow channel. A sample chamber (21) is provided adjacent to a lateral opening (14) of the flow channel. A laser beam (41) enters the sample chamber (21) through a lateral window (16) and impinges on a surface (24) of a sample (23) to ablate material from the sample. The sample may be positioned in such a distance from the flow channel that the laser-generated aerosol mass distribution has its center within the flow channel. This leads to short aerosol washout times. The laser ablation as cell is particularly well suited for aerosol generation in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS), including imaging applications.

Abstract: A laser ablation cell (1) comprises a flow channel (11) having an essentially constant cross-sectional area so as to ensure a strictly laminar flow in the flow channel. A sample chamber (21) is provided adjacent to a lateral opening (14) of the flow channel. A laser beam (41) enters the sample chamber (21) through a lateral window (16) and impinges on a surface (24) of a sample (23) to ablate material from the sample. The sample may be positioned in such a distance from the flow channel that the laser-generated aerosol mass distribution has its center within the flow channel. This leads to short aerosol washout times. The laser ablation cell is particularly well suited for aerosol generation in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS), including imaging applications.

Abstract: A laser ablation cell (1) comprises a flow channel (11) having an essentially constant cross-sectional area so as to ensure a strictly laminar flow in the flow channel. A sample chamber (21) is provided adjacent to a lateral opening (14) of the flow channel. A laser beam (41) enters the sample chamber (21) through a lateral window (16) and impinges on a surface (24) of a sample (23) to ablate material from the sample. The sample may be positioned in such a distance from the flow channel that the laser-generated aerosol mass distribution has its center within the flow channel. This leads to short aerosol washout times. The laser ablation cell is particularly well suited for aerosol generation in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS), including imaging applications.

Abstract: A laser ablation cell (1) comprises a flow channel (11) having an essentially constant cross-sectional area so as to ensure a strictly laminar flow in the flow channel. A sample chamber (21) is provided adjacent to a lateral opening (14) of the flow channel. A laser beam (41) enters the sample chamber (21) through a lateral window (16) and impinges on a surface (24) of a sample (23) to ablate material from the sample. The sample may be positioned in such a distance from the flow channel that the laser-generated aerosol mass distribution has its center within the flow channel. This leads to short aerosol washout times. The laser ablation as cell is particularly well suited for aerosol generation in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS), including imaging applications.

Abstract: A train test platform for testing actual train components of a multiple car railway train and a method to test such actual train components includes a supervisor unit and several car units linked by a reflective memory system. The actual components to be tested are installed in instrumentation units of the respective car units. The instrumentation units provide break-out interfaces for connecting the actual train components to a train communication system having the wiring, bus systems, or power supplies Further the instrumentation units simulate those components not being present physically in the respective cars. Testing is performed by monitoring and manipulating signals at the break-out interfaces in real-time. All testing is controlled by the supervisor unit using the reflective memory to exchange information with the platform components in the respective car units.

Abstract: A laser ablation cell (1) comprises a flow channel (11) having an essentially constant cross-sectional area so as to ensure a strictly laminar flow in the flow channel. A sample chamber (21) is provided adjacent to a lateral opening (14) of the flow channel. A laser beam (41) enters the sample chamber (21) through a lateral window (16) and impinges on a surface (24) of a sample (23) to ablate material from the sample. The sample may be positioned in such a distance from the flow channel that the laser-generated aerosol mass distribution has its center within the flow channel. This leads to short aerosol washout times. The laser ablation cell is particularly well suited for aerosol generation in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS), including imaging applications.

Abstract: A laser-ablation ion source for generating a low energy ion beam having low longitudinal and transverse emittance, including a supersonic nozzle, followed by an RF ion funnel. A laser source generates a laser beam which is focused by a lens to an ablation site. The ablation site is located upstream of the nozzle, at a distance of less than 10 mm from the nozzle aperture. The laser irradiates the ablation site through the nozzle aperture to generate the ions.

Abstract: A method for producing a molybdenum film for lamp construction is provided. The method may include roughening at least a part of the surface of the molybdenum film by sandblasting with a sandblasting means, wherein the sandblasting means contains at least one of aluminum oxide and quartz sand as well as at least one further component.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack that receives a cathode feed gas and has an exhaust stream and a heat transfer stream flowing therefrom. A charge-air heat exchanger enables heat transfer between the heat transfer stream and the cathode feed gas. The charge-air heat exchanger also enables heat transfer between the heat transfer stream and the cathode feed gas to compensate for the adiabatic cooling effect. Furthermore, the charge-air heat exchanger vaporizes the liquid water to provide water vapor. The water vapor humidifies the cathode feed gas.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack that receives a cathode feed gas and has an exhaust stream and a heat transfer stream flowing therefrom. A charge-air heat exchanger enables heat transfer between the heat transfer stream and the cathode feed gas. The charge-air heat exchanger also enables heat transfer between the heat transfer stream and the cathode feed gas to compensate for the adiabatic cooling effect. Furthermore, the charge-air heat exchanger vaporizes the liquid water to provide water vapor. The water vapor humidifies the cathode feed gas.

Abstract: A system and method for improving air humidification for fuel cell applications includes a fuel cell stack having a cathode inlet and a cathode outlet. The cathode inlet receives an oxidant. A humidifier humidifies the oxidant prior to delivery of the oxidant to the cathode inlet. An injection nozzle is provided, and a volume of water substantially vaporized by the injection nozzle reduces a temperature of the oxidant and increases a water transfer rate of the humidifier. The injection nozzle can be positioned either directly upstream of the humidifier in the oxidant inlet line or in a stack cathode outlet line which is directed into the humidifier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a water circuit for cooling its internal combustion engine, wherein the water circuit comprises an electrically operated engine fan and the engine fan is assigned a linear regulator which is thermally coupled to the water circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for improving air humidification for fuel cell applications includes a fuel cell stack having a cathode inlet and a cathode outlet. The cathode inlet receives an oxidant. A humidifier humidifies the oxidant prior to delivery of the oxidant to the cathode inlet. An injection nozzle is provided, and a volume of water substantially vaporized by the injection nozzle reduces a temperature of the oxidant and increases a water transfer rate of the humidifier. The injection nozzle can be positioned either directly upstream of the humidifier in the oxidant inlet line or in a stack cathode outlet line which is directed into the humidifier.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack that receives a cathode feed gas and has an exhaust stream and a heat transfer stream flowing therefrom. A charge-air heat exchanger enables heat transfer between the heat transfer stream and the cathode feed gas. The charge-air heat exchanger also enables heat transfer between the heat transfer stream and the cathode feed gas to compensate for the adiabatic cooling effect. Furthermore, the charge-air heat exchanger vaporizes the liquid water to provide water vapor. The water vapor humidifies the cathode feed gas.