Nu Instruments | The Impact of Spectral Accumulation Speed on Nanoparticle Detection
This application note investigates how spectral accumulation speed affects nanoparticle detection accuracy and composition measurements. It demonstrates why sub-millisecond acquisition rates are critical for reliable multi-element single particle ICP-MS analysis.
Nanoparticle signals typically last only a few milliseconds, making acquisition speed a key factor in accurate detection. This study compares ultra-fast spectral collection with longer dwell times and evaluates the effect on particle identification.
Results show that slower acquisition rates increase the likelihood of coincident particle events, resulting in inaccurate size measurements and false multi-element associations. Fast spectral collection reduces these effects and improves data quality.
The note highlights how Vitesse combines full-spectrum time-of-flight acquisition with sub-millisecond accumulation rates, allowing robust multi-element nanoparticle analysis even at higher particle concentrations.
Key Takeaways:
- Fast spectral accumulation improves nanoparticle detection accuracy.
- Reduces false elemental associations caused by coincident particle events.
- Enables reliable analysis at higher particle number concentrations.
Related Articles
