 Photon Machines Inc. introduces the
HELEX 2-Volume sample cell specifically designed for LA-ICP-MS
microanalysis with significant advantages over other single and dual
volume designs.
This technology was first developed at the Australian
National University by a team of researchers and technicians. The
exceptional performance of the ANU HELEX CELL is cited in numerous
publications and its design continues to evolve under the direction of
Dr. Steve Eggins. Photon Machines has teamed with ANU in the
engineering and marketing of the ANU cell designs. The HELEX CELL has
been optimized for use with Photon Machines ultra-short pulse excimer
and sub-200 nm femtosecond laser ablation systems and features: |
|
 A large sample holding volume and format (up to
10x10cm)
that can accommodate correspondingly large samples, 4X the capacity of
most other cells. |
|
| A smaller volume (less than 15 cm3) where
ablation
takes
place that contains the analyte. |
The unique design of the small volume cell creates a vortex that is
critical to performance, as is the gas flow dynamic between the two
volumes. The result:
|
| (1)
Efficient collection of the ablated
aerosol |
| (2) Minimum
condensation losses of ablated
materials |
| (3) Short aerosol residence times and ultrafast
washout, less than 2 sec, from the cell |
| (4) High reproducibility independent of
sample position throughout the cell. |
|
An external manifold damps laser pulse noise and negates “beat”
effects during ICPMS analysis for a smooth signal while retaining the
rapid response
characteristics of the ablation cell.
Available sample holders
|
Nine 1" round mounts
4 X 2" slides plus 3 X 1" round mounts
2 X 4" sections plus 3 X 1" round mounts
3 X 4" sample + |
|
Automatic, software actuated evacuation and filling system/procedure
completely removes air and backfills the ablation cell with helium gas
following sample exchange. |
