Pulsed Glow Discharge Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
GELP has a long experience in the field of low-pressure glow discharges (GD) coupled to both Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) and Mass Spectrometry (MS). The lines of research the group has taken part in include instrumental developments, fundamental studies about the plasma processes and the development of analytical applications.
In the last years, the research activity of GELP in low-pressure GD has been focused on the study and optimization of a Radiofrequency Glow Discharge Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (RF-GD-TOFMS) prototype, which was developed in the frame of the European project New Elemental and Molecular Materials by Modulated RF-GD-TOFMS (EMPDA). These investigations have been focused on the improvement of the GD source design and the study of the capabilities of the pulsed operation mode for depth profiling of a great variety of solid samples.
In addition, the GD has been explored as an ionization source for the analysis of gaseous samples. Particularly, the group has been working on the development of new interfaces optimized for the introduction of gaseous samples in the GD plasma. Currently, GELP investigates an improved interface for the obtainment of molecular information in the analysis of gaseous samples containing volatile compounds.
The RF-GD-TOFMS equipment is located at the Faculty of Chemistry in Oviedo.
