Recent developments in analytical ion trap mass spectrometry

The current status of quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry is reviewed, with particular emphasis on liquid chromatographic coupling, membrane inlet introduction, laser desorption/ionisation and selective chemical ionisation. The flexibility, high sensitivity and multi-stage tandem mass spectrometric capability of the quadrupole ion trap are all illustrated.     

Recent developments in the analytical application of UV-photoelectron spectroscopy

Summary Preliminary results from a number of new developments designed to make UV photoelectron spectroscopy analytically advantageous are reported. A versatile photoelectron spectrometer with a simple sample inlet system has been constructed. This has been successfully linked to a G.L.C. and in this combination serves either to provide a spectrum of the sample or acts as a selective G.C. detector. Data processing has been improved with the aid of a computer programme, which enables the spectrum of a mixture to be resolved into its components.

---

Neuere Entwicklungen bei der analytischen Anwendung der U V-Photoelektronen-Spektroskopie

Zusammenfassung Ein vielseitiges Photoelektronenspektrometer mit einfachem Probeneinlaßsystem wird beschrieben. In der Kombination mit einem Gas-Chromatographen kann entweder ein Spektrum der Probe geliefert werden oder das Gerät dient als selektiver GC-Detektor. Die Datenverarbeitung wurde mit Hilfe eines Computerprogramms verbessert, das es ermöglicht, das Spektrum eines Gemisches in seine Bestandteile aufzulösen.

Lecture presented at Euroanalysis I Conference, 28. 8. –1. 9. 1972 in Heidelberg, Germany.     

Recent developments in ambient ionization techniques for analytical mass spectrometry

Ambient ionization techniques enable the interrogation of a variety of samples in their native state by mass spectrometry, and are rapidly advancing all fields where screening for the presence of various analytes in a broadband and/or high-throughput fashion is desirable. This Highlight article provides an introduction to the field, and showcases the different ionization approaches reported since 2004, with an emphasis on the most recent developments.     

Recent developments of prompt gamma activation analysis at Budapest

The PGAA facility at the Budapest Research Reactor has been continually upgraded and developed since its start-up in 1996, as a result of which its performance has improved considerably. The installation of the cold neutron source, the partial change to supermirror neutron guides and their realignment increased the flux by almost two orders of magnitude. The data acquisition has been modernized as well; digital spectrometers were tested and implemented in novel forms of gamma-ray spectrum collection. This year a higher-efficiency HPGe detector and a new data acquisition module were put into operation. Most recently all the neutron guides were changed to supermirror-coated ones to further increase the neutron flux. The improved evaluation software makes possible a more reliable elemental analysis of the samples. In this progress report these developments are critically reviewed. The characteristics of the latest system are also described. It is the first time that a set of new partial gamma-ray production cross sections are presented, which are based on the new intensity values of ¹⁴N(n,γ)¹⁵N calibration standard.     

Recent analytical developments using chemiluminescence in solution

The rapid growth of analytical methods which utilize chemiluminescent techniques reflects their many advantages relative to conventional procedures. Measurement of light emission is simple and rapid and extremely high sensitivities may be achieved with inexpensive instrumentation and without resort to preconcentration. As a consequence, attention is now being directed towards expanding the scope of chemiluminescent analyses, both by study of previously unexploited fight-emitting processes and by modification to determine specific analytes of interest. This review describes the requirements and methodology, presents newer applications of established procedures and considers the potential of some new systems for chemiluminescent analysis.     

Recent developments in quantitative mass spectrometry

New procedures in quantitative mass spectrometry (MS) continue to follow very closely the development of qualitative methods. The burgeoning of MS techniques appropriate to the analysis of polar and non-volatile compounds has produced a corresponding increase in the scope of quantitative MS. In general, quantitative procedures based on the newer methods (such as fast-atom bombardment, liquid chromatography-MS, MS-MS) have not yet reached the point of quantitative refinement that may be expected of gas chromatography. Nevertheless, with increased understanding of the newer methods, significant improvements in quantification may be confidently anticipated.     

毛细管电泳-质谱联用技术的新进展

毛细管电泳-质谱(CE-MS)联用技术综合了CE的高效分离能力、广泛的样品适应性和MS的高灵敏度、可提供结构信息等优势,已发展成为一种重要的分离分析手段。本文对近几年来CE-MS联用接口技术的发展作一简单介绍,并对CE-MS在生命分析、食品药品分析等领域的一些应用进展予以综述。     

Recent developments in analytical applications of quantum dots

This review discusses the application of quantum dots (QDs) to chemical and biological detection, for which they have excellent features, particularly size-dependent optical properties.We can summarize the main areas discussed in this review as follows:(1) QDs associated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), chip detection and capillary electrophoresis (CE) enhance the sensitivity and the speed of detection of residues;(2) QDs are applied with other techniques, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), fluorescence resonance-energy transfer (FRET) analysis, fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) and western blot analysis; and,(3) QDs combined with the above techniques can successfully detect DNA and protein.We also cover perspectives and challenges in analytical applications of QDs.     

Recent developments in detection methods for microfabricated analytical devices

Sensitive detection in microfluidic analytical devices is a challenge because of the extremely small detection volumes available. Considerable efforts have been made lately to further address this aspect and to investigate techniques other than fluorescence. Among the newly introduced techniques are the optical methods of chemiluminescence, refraction and thermooptics, as well as the electrochemical methods of amperometry, conductimetry and potentiometry. Developments are also in progress to create miniaturized plasma-emission spectrometers and sensitive detectors for gas-chromatographic separations.     

Recent developments in extraction procedures relevant to analytical toxicology

Sample preparation is an important step in the development of an analytical method but is often regarded as time-consuming, laborious work. Optimum sample preparation leads to enhanced selectivity and sensitivity, however, and reduces amounts of interfering matrix compounds, resulting in less signal suppression or enhancement. Recent developments in extraction techniques that could be of interest in clinical and forensic toxicology, for example liquid–liquid, solid-phase, and headspace extraction, are summarized in this review. The advantages and disadvantages of several extraction techniques are discussed, to enable the reader to choose an appropriate method of extraction for his or her application. Attention is paid to current trends in analytical toxicology, for example miniaturization, high throughput, and automation.     

Recent trends and developments in laser ablation-ICP-mass spectrometry

The increased interest in laser technology (e.g. for micro-machining, for medical applications, light shows, CD-players) is a tremendous driving force for the development of new laser types and optical set-ups. This directly influences their use in analytical chemistry. For direct analysis of the elemental composition of solids, mostly solid state lasers, such as Nd:YAG laser systems operating at 1064 nm (fundamental wavelength), 266 nm (frequency quadrupled) and even 213 nm (frequency quintupled) have been investigated in combination with all available inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers. The trend towards shorter wavelengths (1064 nm– 157 nm) was initiated by access to high quality optical materials which led to the incorporation of UV gas lasers, such as excimer lasers (XeCl 308 nm, KrF 248 nm, ArF 193 nm, and F₂ 157 nm) into laser ablation set-ups. The flexibility in laser wavelengths, output energy, repetition rate, and spatial resolution allows qualitative and quantitative local and bulk elemental analysis as well as the determination of isotope ratios. However, the ablation process and the ablation behavior of various solid samples are different and no laser wavelength was found suitable for all types of solid samples. This article highlights some of the successfully applied systems in LA-ICP-MS. The current fields of applications are explained on selected examples using 266 nm and 193 nm laser ablation systems.     

Recent trends and developments in laser ablation-ICP-mass spectrometry

The increased interest in laser technology (e.g. for micro-machining, for medical applications, light shows, CD-players) is a tremendous driving force for the development of new laser types and optical set-ups. This directly influences their use in analytical chemistry. For direct analysis of the elemental composition of solids, mostly solid state lasers, such as Nd:YAG laser systems operating at 1064 nm (fundamental wavelength), 266 nm (frequency quadrupled) and even 213 nm (frequency quintupled) have been investigated in combination with all available inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers. The trend towards shorter wavelengths (1064 nm - 157 nm) was initiated by access to high quality optical materials which led to the incorporation of UV gas lasers, such as excimer lasers (XeCl 308 nm, KrF 248 nm, ArF 193 nm, and F2 157 nm) into laser ablation set-ups. The flexibility in laser wavelengths, output energy, repetition rate, and spatial resolution allows qualitative and quantitative local and bulk elemental analysis as well as the determination of isotope ratios. However, the ablation process and the ablation behavior of various solid samples are different and no laser wavelength was found suitable for all types of solid samples. This article highlights some of the successfully applied systems in LA-ICP-MS. The current fields of applications are explained on selected examples using 266 nm and 193 nm laser ablation systems.     

Recent developments in the determination of gold by atomic spectrometry techniques

Determination of gold in different kinds of samples is often a challenging task for analysts. Its concentration is usually very low and the sample matrix may cause serious interferences during measurement. Therefore, preconcentration and separation methods should be used to solve these problems and render more sensitive, accurate and interference-free determination. The recent developments in sample treatment, such as liquid and solid phase extraction, coprecipitation and electrodeposition, are presented. In addition, important extension and improvements in atomic spectrometry techniques — mainly electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, are discussed.     

Recent developments in the methodology and application of MEEKC

MEEKC is an electrodriven separation technique that utilises the unique properties of a microemulsion (ME) as a background electrolyte to achieve separation of a diverse range of solutes. MEs are composed of nanometre-sized oil droplets suspended in aqueous buffer, which is commonly referred to as oil-in-water ME. The droplets are stabilised by the presence of both a surfactant and co-surfactant. The use of water-in-oil MEs in MEEKC has also been investigated. This review details the advances in MEEKC-based separations from the period June 2008 - June 2010. Areas covered include online sample concentration, suppressed electroosmosis MEEKC, chiral separations, MEEKC-MS, MEEKC-ICP-MS and ME structure characterisation. The review also includes a fundamental introduction to MEEKC, along with a review of recent applications.     

Recent developments in atomizers for electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

This review first describes general requirements to be met for suitable base materials used to produce electrothermal atomizers (ETAs). In this connection the physical and chemical properties of adequate types of graphite and metals are discussed. Further, various atomizer designs, their temperature dynamics during atomization and general performance characteristics are critically reviewed. For end-heated Massmann-type atomizers, discussions are focused on recent developments of, e.g., contoured tubes to achieve improved temperature homogeneity over the tube length, second surface atomizers to realize temporally isothermal atomization and tubes with graphite filters to reduce interference effects. The state-of-the-art of platform equipped, side-heated atomizers with integrated contacting bridges are characterized mainly with respect to heating dynamics, as well as susceptibility to interference- and memory effects. In contrast to end-heated ETAs, the tube ends of side-heated ETAs are freely located in the furnace compartment and, as a consequence of this configuration, convective gas flows can easily appear. The magnitude and effect of these flows on analytical performance are discussed and measures are suggested, permitting operation under diffusion controlled conditions. A critical comparison of classical constant temperature atomizers with state-of-the-art platform equipped ETAs is made and from this it is concluded that future ETA developments are likely to involve only minor modifications aiming at, e.g., the reduction of cycling times or the improvement of tube surface properties.     

Recent developments in atomizers for electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

This review first describes general requirements to be met for suitable base materials used to produce electrothermal atomizers (ETAs). In this connection the physical and chemical properties of adequate types of graphite and metals are discussed. Further, various atomizer designs, their temperature dynamics during atomization and general performance characteristics are critically reviewed. For end-heated Massmann-type atomizers, discussions are focused on recent developments of, e.g., contoured tubes to achieve improved temperature homogeneity over the tube length, second surface atomizers to realize temporally isothermal atomization and tubes with graphite filters to reduce interference effects. The state-of-the-art of platform equipped, side-heated atomizers with integrated contacting bridges are characterized mainly with respect to heating dynamics, as well as susceptibility to interference- and memory effects. In contrast to end-heated ETAs, the tube ends of side-heated ETAs are freely located in the furnace compartment and, as a consequence of this configuration, convective gas flows can easily appear. The magnitude and effect of these flows on analytical performance are discussed and measures are suggested, permitting operation under diffusion controlled conditions. A critical comparison of classical constant temperature atomizers with state-of-the-art platform equipped ETAs is made and from this it is concluded that future ETA developments are likely to involve only minor modifications aiming at, e.g., the reduction of cycling times or the improvement of tube surface properties.     

Recent developments of derivative spectrophotometry and their analytical applications.

Articles about the development of derivative spectrophotometric methods and analytical applications of derivative spectrophotometry (DS) published in the last nine years (since 1994) are reviewed.     

Recent developments in and applications of resonance ionization mass spectrometry

Resonance Ionization Mass Spectrometry (RIMS) has nowadays reached the status of a routine method for sensitive and selective ultratrace determination of long-lived radioactive isotopes in environmental, biomedical and technical samples. It provides high isobaric suppression, high to ultra-high isotopic selectivity and good overall efficiency. Experimental detection limits are as low as 10⁶ atoms per sample and permit the fast and sensitive determination of ultratrace amounts of radiotoxic contaminations. Experimental arrangements for the detection of different radiotoxic isotopes, e.g. ^236–244Pu, ^89,90Sr and ⁹⁹Tc in environmental samples are described, and the application of RIMS to the ultrarare long-lived radioisotope ⁴¹Ca for cosmochemical, radiodating and medical purposes are presented. Received: 17 December 1998 / Revised: 11 February 1999/Accepted: 18 February 1999     

Recent developments in and applications of resonance ionization mass spectrometry

Resonance Ionization Mass Spectrometry (RIMS) has nowadays reached the status of a routine method for sensitive and selective ultratrace determination of long-lived radioactive isotopes in environmental, biomedical and technical samples. It provides high isobaric suppression, high to ultra-high isotopic selectivity and good overall efficiency. Experimental detection limits are as low as 10⁶ atoms per sample and permit the fast and sensitive determination of ultratrace amounts of radiotoxic contaminations. Experimental arrangements for the detection of different radiotoxic isotopes, e.g. ^236–244Pu, ^89,90Sr and ⁹⁹Tc in environmental samples are described, and the application of RIMS to the ultrarare long-lived radioisotope ⁴¹Ca for cosmochemical, radiodating and medical purposes are presented. Received: 17 December 1998 / Revised: 11 February 1999/Accepted: 18 February 1999