New Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) Delivering Higher Productivity, More Accurate Results

Agilent Technologies Inc. has introduced the Agilent 7500cx, a new inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) delivering simplified operation for higher productivity and more accurate results.

The system enables interference-free analysis of all elements in any matrix, under a single set of operating conditions. Its Octopole Reaction System (ORS) removes interfering species using only inert helium gas (He mode), which vastly improves speed and accuracy.

The Octopole Reaction System eliminates polyatomic interferences arising from the plasma and sample matrix using a simple process, Kinetic Energy Discrimination. Its advantages include:

- Ease of use -- the ORS operates in collision using only inert helium, eliminating side reactions that would create unpredictable, new interferences;

- Reliability -- all measurements are made directly on the analyte mass, yielding more reliable results;

- Effectiveness -- the ORS operates under one set of cell conditions, irrespective of the composition, source or reactivity of the interfering species; and

- Fast gas switching -- the unique Agilent octopole allows the cell to have a small internal volume, which produces fast switching between gas modes.

Helium mode also allows the user to achieve the full potential of ICP-MS for semi-quantitative analysis. Complex, unknown samples can be quickly surveyed with better accuracy than ever before. Moreover, sample preparation no longer need be limited to nitric acid digestion; more effective digest media, such as HCl or H2SO4, can be employed without concern for the interferences that these acids typically cause.

If needed for special applications, the Agilent 7500cx can be upgraded to include additional cell gases for applications including ultra-trace selenium and sulphur analysis.