HR-ICP-MS

High-Resolution Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (HR‑ICP‑MS), also known as magnetic sector ICP‑MS, is an advanced elemental and isotopic analysis technique designed to deliver highly accurate results in complex sample matrices. Unlike conventional quadrupole ICP‑MS, HR‑ICP‑MS uses a double‑focusing magnetic sector mass analyser that separates ions based on subtle differences in mass with exceptional precision, enabling reliable measurement even in the presence of challenging interferences.

How HR‑ICP‑MS works

In HR‑ICP‑MS, the sample is first ionised in an inductively coupled plasma, producing charged atoms and ions. These ions are then guided through an ion optical system and separated using a combination of an electrostatic analyser and a magnetic sector. This configuration allows true physical separation of analyte ions from interfering species, resolving very small mass differences that cannot be distinguished by lower-resolution instruments.
This means that, rather than relying on collision/reaction cell chemistry to remove interferences, HR‑ICP‑MS can eliminate them directly through mass resolution, ensuring robust and predictable interference removal across a wide range of sample types.

Key advantages of HR‑ICP‑MS

High mass resolution for interference-free measurements

• Resolves isobaric and polyatomic interferences by separating ions based on small mass differences
• Enables accurate quantification in complex and matrix-rich samples

Exceptional sensitivity and ultra-trace detection

• Detects elements at extremely low concentrations, including trace and ultra-trace levels
• Achieves very low detection limits across a wide range of elements 

High accuracy and precision for isotope measurements

• Provides precise isotope ratio determination
• Particularly powerful for applications requiring high analytical confidence

Wide matrix tolerance and versatility

• Maintains performance across diverse sample matrices including waters, acids, geological materials and biological samples
• Offers flexibility through multiple resolution modes (low, medium, high) within a single method 

Compatibility with advanced sample introduction techniques

• Easily coupled with laser ablation systems for direct solid sampling and spatially resolved analysis
• Supports transient signal analysis such as nanoparticle and imaging applications 
   

Typical applications

HR‑ICP‑MS is widely used across research and industrial laboratories where high accuracy and low detection limits are critical:

• Geochemistry & geochronology – U‑Pb dating, trace element analysis in minerals, laser ablation studies
• Environmental science – ultra-trace metals in water, pollution monitoring, marine chemistry
• Nuclear and radiological analysis – isotope ratio measurements, radionuclide detection, nuclear forensics
• Materials and semiconductor analysis – impurity control, high-purity chemicals, advanced materials characterisation
• Nanoparticle research – detection and sizing of ultra-small particles using single-particle ICP‑MS