A Mass Spectrometer for Isotope and Gas Analysis

Abstract

A mass spectrometer suitable for routine isotope analyses of the lighter elements is described. Complete electronic circuits are given. An all metal mass spectrometer tube is employed. A null method of determining relative abundances of the elements carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen is used. Although designed primarily for analyzing elements for which separated isotopes are available as tracers, the instrument may be modified for use over the entire atomic table or for making gas analyses.