Three-dimensional concentration mapping of gases using a portable mass spectrometer system.

The visualization of hazardous gaseous emissions at volcanoes using in-situ mass spectrometry (MS) is a key step towards a better comprehension of the geophysical phenomena surrounding eruptive activity. In-situ data consisting of helium, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and other gas species, were acquired with a quadrupole based MS system. Global position systems (GPS) and MS data were plotted on ground imagery, topography, and remote sensing data collected by a host of instruments during the second Costa Rica Airborne Research and Technology Applications (CARTA) mission.

Real-time quantitative analysis of H2, He, O2, and Ar by quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry.

The use of a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer (QITMS) for quantitative analysis of hydrogen and helium as well as of other permanent gases is demonstrated. Like commercial instruments, the customized QITMS uses mass selective instability; however, this instrument operates at a greater trapping frequency and without a buffer gas. Thus, a useable mass range from 2 to over 50 daltons (Da) is achieved.

Evaluation of small mass spectrometer systems for permanent gas analysis.

This work is aimed at understanding the aspects of designing a miniature mass spectrometer (MS) system. Several types of small MS systems are evaluated and discussed, including linear quadrupole, quadrupole ion trap, time of flight, and sector. Analysis of hydrogen, helium, oxygen, and argon in a nitrogen background with the concentrations of the components of interest ranging from 0 to 5000 parts per million (ppm).