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Accurate Xe Isotope Measurement Using JPL Ion Trap

  • Research Article
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Journal of The American Society for Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

We report an approach for the reproducible and accurate compositional analysis of different mixtures of Xe isotopes using miniature Jet Propulsion Laboratory Quadrupole Ion Trap (JPL-QIT). A major study objective was to validate the recent instrumental improvements to the long-term operational stability under different pressures, temperatures, and trapping conditions. We propose that the present device can be used in certification of trace amounts of isotopes in mixtures dominated by one or more isotopes. Measured isotopic compositions are verified against commercially available standards with accuracy better than 0.07%. To aid the analysis of experimental data, we developed a scalable replica fitting method and use peak areas as descriptors of relative isotopic abundances. This low-power and low-mass device is ideally suited for planetary explorations aimed to enhance quantitative analysis for major isotopes present in small amounts of atmospheric samples.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are indebted to Rembrandt T. Schaefer (JPL) for his continuous technical support and expertise in electronics. They acknowledge the dedication of Jurij Simcic (JPL) to the initial peak height analysis as well as the design of the electron gun. The samples were prepared by Evan L. Neidholdt (JPL). The authors thank Professor Kenneth A. Farley (California Institute of Technology) for valuable comments on the manuscript. They also benefited from discussions with Murray R. Darrach (JPL), who shared his insight and enthusiasm during the course of this work. The research was carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It was supported by the JPL’s Research and Technology Development Program.

Copyright 2014 California Institute of Technology; U.S. Government sponsorship is acknowledged.

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  1. Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Dr., Pasadena, CA, 91109, USA

    Stojan M. Madzunkov & Dragan Nikolić

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  1. Stojan M. Madzunkov
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  2. Dragan Nikolić
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Correspondence to Stojan M. Madzunkov.

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Madzunkov, S.M., Nikolić, D. Accurate Xe Isotope Measurement Using JPL Ion Trap. J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom. 25, 1841–1852 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13361-014-0980-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13361-014-0980-2

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