title: Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for direct analysis of the spatial distribution of trace elements in metallurgical-grade silicon.
abstract: The spatial distribution and concentration of impurities in metallurgical-grade silicon (MG-Si) samples (97-99% w/w Si) were investigated by use of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The spatial resolution (120 mum) and low limits of detection (mg kg(-1)) for quality assurance of such materials were studied in detail. The volume-dependent precision and accuracy of non-matrix-matched calibration for quantification of minor elements, using NIST SRM 610 (silicate standard), indicates that LA-ICP-MS is well suited to rapid process control of such materials. Quantitative results from LA-ICP-MS were compared with previously reported literature data obtained by use of ICP-OES and rf-GD-OES. In particular, the distribution of element impurities and their relationship to their different segregation coefficients in silicon is demonstrated.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pisonero
authors.forename: Ivana
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kroslakova
authors.forename: Detlef
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Günther
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Latkoczy