Next-generation sample cell provides rapid washout, large-volume capacity and superior transient signal analysis for solid sampling of geological and biological thin sections and electrophoresis gels
New Wave Research introduces SuperCell, which it describes as a next-generation sample cell designed for LA-ICP-MS applications on the company's Universal Platform systems.
SuperCell provides rapid aerosol washout, large-volume capacity and superior transient signal analysis.
It is said to be ideal for solid sampling of geological and biological thin sections, electrophoresis gels for metallomic studies and for the direct analysis of solid residue dried down from aqueous samples.
"The SuperCell evacuates laser aerosol dramatically faster than conventional high-efficiency sample cells via optimised sample-cell geometry and gas-flow dynamics," said Lawrence Neufeld, applications manager with New Wave Research.
"This is accomplished without reducing the lateral dimensions of the cell.
"SuperCell's 18.5cm2 working area readily accommodates multiple samples and standards simultaneously - including samples with large lateral dimensions such as geological and biological thin sections".
When analysing single-pulse, transient signals, the SuperCell design reduces aerosol dispersion, compressing and amplifying valuable analytical information and enhancing limits of detection.
For longer, steady-state acquisitions when the sample is continuously ablated, the SuperCell displays rapid signal rise times and rinse times, often less than a few seconds each.
Samples requiring high spatial discrimination also benefit from a reduction in aerosol dispersion.
The faster the laser-induced aerosol can exit the sample chamber, the less likely it will mix with subsequent material being ablated.
This will be particularly useful for samples with different chemical characteristics at the sub-millimetre level - for instance the analysis of metalloproteins separated on 2D electrophesis gel or the ablation of biological tissue in situ.
SuperCell has also been tested extensively by Edward Young, professor of isotope geochemistry, Department of Earth and Space Sciences, UCLA.
"SuperCell enables us to perform isotope ratios on thin sections with a high degree of reliability, and with much greater speed than in the past," said Young.
"We have enough room in the cell for several samples and one standard, and feel very confident the results will be highly accurate.
"We can now work with several unknowns in a single day; in the past, we'd have to shut down and load the next sample the next day".
SuperCell is compatible with the entire Universal Platform series from New Wave Research and is designed for fast, easy integration into existing LA-ICP-MS systems.
Switching from a standard cell to a SuperCell can be accomplished in less than five minutes, without changing the state (shutting off) the spectrometer's ICP.
