The use of a secondary cathode to analyse solid non-conducting samples with direct current glow discharge mass spectrometry: potential and restrictions.

A direct current glow discharge mass spectrometer has been used to analyse solid non-conducting samples: glass, polycarbonate, marble, aluminium oxide and Teflon. This is made possible by the use of a so-called secondary cathode. The methodology of this concept is investigated and analytical figures of merit are presented.