STUDIES IN DOUBLE FOCUSING MASS SPECTROMETRY

Several analytical approaches to metals analysis with the vacuum spark mass spectrograph are considered. Analyses are given for standard, low alloy steels. A study conducted on fragmentation by the sparking of polymers in the vacuum spark is presented. Mass spectra of polymers obtained in the vacuum spark are compared to gas source spectra of the polymer pyrolysis products and to spectra of the monomer. Though only preliminary information was obtained, it appears that the existence of stable groups such as the benzene ring of styrene, influences the spectrum to a greater extent than the ability of the polymers to unzip. Accurate mass measurement, using a special photo-plate reader designed for the Air Force Materials Laboratory, has been investigated and is discussed. The variation of a proportionality constant in the expression relating mass to line position is shown to be relatively large as one progresses along the plate. Thus the need for reference lines very close to the line to be determined is affirmed. (Author)