Evaluation of Relative Sensitivity Factors for Elemental Analysis of Aluminum and Magnesium Using Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry with a Fast-Flow Grimm-type Ion Source.

Relative sensitivity factors on glow discharge mass spectrometry were evaluated for unalloyed and alloyed metals of aluminum and magnesium using a glow discharge mass spectrometer operated with fast flow Grimm-type source. All the elements measured could be classified into two groups, i.e. a group of elements could be determined with repeatability equal to or less than 15% relative standard deviation, while another group could be determined with RSDs of greater than 15%. The latter is mainly due to the instability of discharge condition and elemental segregation onto certified reference materials.