High-Resolution Inductively Coupled Plasma Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry

Initial results obtained by incorporation of an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) ion source with a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometer are reported, along with spectra which demonstrate sub-milligram-per-liter detection limits and high mass resolution (mass resolving power, m/Δm10%V = 7000−10 000). Also shown is an ICP-FTICR spectrum with ultrahigh resolving power (m/Δm10%V = 88 000). Both instrumental configurations used to conduct this work, one at the University of Florida, and the other at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, are described. Also included are concise results from a computer aided interference study designed to enumerate mass spectral interferences requiring mass resolving power in excess of 10 000.