Spectroscopy
The need for reference materials that can be applied in the area of thin films analysis has long been realized but is still, in general, under-addressed. Alumina films of single-micrometer thickness, having either fine distributions of impurities or delta function impurity marker layers, can be prepared routinely by anodic oxidation of electropolished aluminum specimens in appropriate electrolytes. Selected films were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and analyzed by radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (rf-GD-OES), providing very rapid, yet high-resolution, depth-resolved analysis of these electrically insulating materials.
High-Speed Laser MS for Precise, Prep-Free Environmental Particle Tracking
April 21st 2025Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have demonstrated that a fast, laser-based mass spectrometry method—LA-ICP-TOF-MS—can accurately detect and identify airborne environmental particles, including toxic metal particles like ruthenium, without the need for complex sample preparation. The work offers a breakthrough in rapid, high-resolution analysis of environmental pollutants.