What is Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry?
{{Infobox chemical analysis | name = Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry | image = ICP-MS.jpg | caption =ICP-MS Instrument | acronym = ICP-MS | classification =[[Mass spectrometry]] | analytes = [[Nuclide|atomic]] and polyatomic [[chemical species|species]] in plasma, with exceptions; usually interpreted towards concentrations of [[Periodic table|chemical elements]] in sample | manufacturers = [[Agilent]], [[Bruker]], [[Horiba]], [[PerkinElmer]], [[Shimadzu]], [[SPECTRO Analytical Instruments|Spectro]], [[Thermo Fisher Scientific|Thermo]] | related = [[Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy]] | hyphenated = Liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, Gas chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry }} '''Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry''' ('''ICP-MS''') is a type of [[mass spectrometry]] that is highly sensitive. It can see a range of [[metals]] and several [[Nonmetal|non-metals]] at concentrations below one part in 10<sup>12</sup> (part per [[trillion]]). It is based on hooking together an [[inductively coupled plasma]] as a method of producing [[ions]] ([[ionization]]) with a [[mass spectrometer]] as a method of separating and detecting the ions. Many chemists use [[Argon]] as a carrier gas to make the plasma. The machine sends the sample ions through a series of small [[Cone|cones]]. The cones let the plasma ions slowly enter the [[vacuum]] chamber of the mass spectrometer. In trace elemental analysis, the method has advantages of high speed, precision and sensitivity compared to [[Atomic absorption spectroscopy|atomic absorption techniques]]. Analysis of lower concentrations at the same time is more prone to disruption by trace [[contaminants]] in [[labware]] and reagents used. Some [[analyte]]s can not work with ICP-MS. Verification of analysis results requires additional work. The variety of applications is wider than [[ICP-OES]] and includes [[Isotope|isotopic speciation]]. Because ICP-MS can help make [[Atom Bomb|atom bombs]