What is Mass Spectrometry

university wafer substrates

High Purity Silicon Wafers for Mass Spectrometry

A postdoc requested a quote for the following:

I am looking to buy the highest purity Si wafers available. These are for scientific experiments in which we will be implanting experimental materials into the wafers with a high energy laser, dissolving the implanted wafers in acid, and doing elemental measurements using a mass spectrometer. The Si is lost during the acid dissolution, so we are only analyzing the implanted materials, and we need as low of a background signal as possible from impurities in the Si. We need a thickness of ~0.5 mm, and we would prefer to have many small pieces around 5X5 mm in area, rather than one large piece that we would then have to cut. Is this possible? 

Reference #271829  for specs and pricing.

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What is Mass Spectrometry (MS)

Mass spectrometry (MS) is an analytical technique used to determine the chemical composition and molecular structure of a sample. It works by ionizing the sample and then measuring the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of the resulting ions.

In mass spectrometry, the sample is first ionized, either through electron impact, chemical ionization, or other methods. The resulting ions are then separated and analyzed based on their m/z values, which are unique for each ion species. The mass spectrometer detects and records the abundance of each ion species, and this information is used to determine the molecular composition of the sample.

Mass spectrometry is widely used in various fields, such as chemistry, biology, environmental science, and materials science, for a range of applications, including:

  • Determining the molecular structure and composition of small molecules, such as drugs, metabolites, and environmental contaminants
  • Analyzing large biological molecules, such as proteins, peptides, and lipids
  • Studying the interactions between small molecules and biological systems
  • Characterizing the molecular composition of environmental samples, such as soil, water, and air
  • Monitoring and controlling the quality of industrial and pharmaceutical processes.

Overall, mass spectrometry is a highly sensitive and versatile analytical technique that provides detailed information about the chemical composition and molecular structure of a sample.

What type of Silicon N or P wafer should be used for Mass Spectrometry Testing?

For mass spectrometry testing, it is not necessary to use a specific type of silicon wafer, either n-type or p-type. Instead, what is important is the surface quality of the silicon wafer, which can affect the performance and accuracy of the mass spectrometry measurement.

For example, the silicon wafer should have a low level of surface contaminants, such as oxides, hydroxides, or other impurities, as these can interfere with the mass spectrometry measurement. The silicon wafer should also have a smooth and flat surface, with minimal surface roughness, to ensure good contact with the sample.

In general, high-purity and high-quality silicon wafers are preferred for mass spectrometry testing, regardless of whether they are n-type or p-type. The specific requirements for the silicon wafer will depend on the specific mass spectrometry technique being used, as well as the characteristics of the sample being measured.

What Does Mass Spectrometry Do?

Mass spectrometry (MS) is an analytical technique used to measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions in a sample. It is widely used in many fields, including chemistry, biology, physics, and materials science, to identify, quantify, and analyze the composition of complex mixtures.

In mass spectrometry, a sample is ionized and the resulting ions are separated and analyzed based on their mass-to-charge ratio. The mass spectrometer consists of several components, including an ion source, an analyzer, and a detector. The ion source converts the sample into ions, which are then accelerated and focused into a beam. The analyzer separates the ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio and the detector measures the signal produced by the ions.

Mass spectrometry provides a high degree of sensitivity and specificity, making it a valuable tool for a wide range of applications, such as:

  1. Identifying unknown compounds in complex mixtures.
  2. Measuring the molecular weight and structure of compounds.
  3. Determining the purity and quantifying the amount of a substance in a sample.
  4. Studying the metabolism of drugs and other biological compounds in the body.
  5. Analyzing environmental contaminants.

Mass spectrometry is a highly sensitive and versatile technique that has made significant contributions to many areas of science and technology. With advances in instrumentation and technology, it is increasingly being used to address complex scientific questions and solve real-world problems.