The isobaric effect correction and measurement of the Ru isotopes by thermal ionization mass spectrometry

It is very difficult to get stable ion peak intensity of ruthenium by thermal ionization mass spectrometry because of its high ionization potential and high volatility of its oxides which causes to lose much of ruthenium ions, so the intensity of the signal decrease quickly. Accordingly, a study was performed in oder to increase the ionization efficiency and to prevent sample losses due to volatilization and to check with isobaric effect by impurities in filament for the measurement of ruthenium isotopes. Both single filament and double filament were tested. The former was proved to be more efficient for the stable and strong intensity of signal and revealed less isobaric effect from the molybdenum (Mo) as a filament impurity. Also, when the temperature of filament increased too high, the isobaric effect from Mo greatly appeared. That is, Mo impurity from filament gave a serious effect for measuring the ruthenium isotopes. It was proved to be of importance that filament current should be slowly increased with time interval. Finally, ruthenium isotopes were accurately measured by correction with measuring Mo-94/(99) Ru.