title: Evaluation of a 512-channel Faraday-strip array detector coupled to an inductively coupled plasma Mattauch-Herzog mass spectrograph.
abstract: A 512-channel Faraday-strip array detector has been developed and fitted to a Mattauch-Herzog geometry mass spectrograph for the simultaneous acquisition of multiple mass-to-charge values. Several advantages are realized by using simultaneous detection methods, including higher duty cycles, removal of correlated noise, and multianalyte transient analyses independent of spectral skew. The new 512-channel version offers narrower, more closely spaced pixels, providing improved spectral peak sampling and resolution. In addition, the electronics in the amplification stage of the new detector array incorporate a sample-and-hold feature that enables truly simultaneous interrogation of all 512 channels. While sensitivity and linear dynamic range remain impressive for this Faraday-based detector system, limits of detection and isotope ratio data have suffered slightly from leaky p-n junctions produced during the manufacture of the semiconductor-based amplification and readout stages. This paper describes the new 512-channel detector array, the current dominant noise sources, and the figures of merit for the device as pertaining to inductively coupled plasma ionization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA.
authors.forename: Gregory D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Schilling
authors.forename: Steven J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Ray
authors.forename: Arnon A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Rubinshtein
authors.forename: Jeremy A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Felton
authors.forename: Roger P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Sperline
authors.forename: M Bonner
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Denton
authors.forename: Charles J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Barinaga
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Koppenaal
authors.forename: Gary M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Hieftje