News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 30, 2025

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 21st July 2025? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!

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This week we bring you brochures by Anton Paar and Shimadzu, technical note by Agilent Technologies and application note by Metrohm!

1. Anton Paar: Solutions for Optimizing Wafer Production

• Brochure
• Full PDF for download

Anton Paar offers a comprehensive portfolio of analytical tools designed to enhance every step of semiconductor wafer production—from thin film characterization to cleaning, etching, planarization, and packaging. Their instruments ensure mechanical, chemical, and electrostatic parameters are precisely controlled, resulting in more reliable and efficient processes.

Key technologies include mechanical surface characterization systems (e.g., nanoindentation and scratch testing) to assess thin film hardness and adhesion, as well as zeta potential and particle size analyzers for optimizing slurry behavior during CMP. Their DMA and sound velocity meters accurately determine acid concentrations for etching and cleaning processes, while refractometers and inline sensors ensure consistent cleaning quality and real-time monitoring of process slurries.

Advanced techniques such as SAXS/GISAXS provide nanostructural insight into thin film coatings, and microwave digestion supports trace elemental analysis. With a global service network and long-term support programs, Anton Paar ensures uptime and precision across critical semiconductor applications.

2. Agilent Technologies: Maximize Your ICP-OES Instrument Performance and Uptime 

A guide to maintenance of ICP-OES instruments to help you achieve the best analytical performance

• Technical note
• Full PDF for download

Agilent Technologies commissioned an independent global survey of laboratory managers with the primary objective being to understand laboratory and instrumental "pain points" and develop strategies for addressing any concerns. A secondary goal was to uncover key differences faced by these laboratory managers with respect to instrument operation. The survey, performed by Frost & Sullivan, involved 700 people across four countries: Germany, the UK, the USA and China; and the individuals surveyed varied with respect to experience, company size, role and primary function. 

What became evident from the survey is that most users want to reduce maintenance and downtime, and improve overall workflow in the laboratory. Consequently, this article will outline some tips that can help maximize ICP-OES performance and address common challenges faced in the laboratory.

Prevent nebulizer blockage 

How can you reduce or prevent nebulizer blockage? Remember, when dealing with sample nebulization, flows are usually relatively low. The fine capillary that carries the sample into the spray chamber has limited tolerance to undissolved solids and large particles. So, when running challenging samples there is a high risk of both annulus and nebulizer capillary blockage, leading to sensitivity problems. What can be done about this? First, and most crucially, make sure that the sample introduction system is rinsed with a suitable reagent blank before extinguishing the plasma. This will prevent any deposition taking place in the nebulizer itself. Second, consider your sample preparation strategies: filtering or centrifuging samples to remove particulates can help prevent nebulizer blockage. For challenging samples, the use of autosampler enclosures can also help prevent dust or dirt being transferred into samples whilst they are in storage and waiting for analysis. In addition, adjusting the autosampler probe height so that sampling occurs above any dissolved solid or precipitate can help reduce the chance of nebulizer blockage. The key word to remember is "prevention". 

Another approach to reduce the chance of nebulizer blockage, particularly with challenging samples, is to use an argon humidifier accessory (Figure 1, right). The fine tubes inside the bottle are actually a permeable membrane. By filling the bottle with deionized water, the permeable membrane allows water to humidify the nebulizer gas. A moist nebulizer gas flowing through the nebulizer can help to reduce the chance of blockage due to salt build up and consequently reduce the amount of drift. Figure 1 (left) also shows an example of a challenging sample: 25% sodium chloride for over four hours with continuous aspiration – using a sample introduction system that is suitable for high-dissolved solids, including the argon humidifier accessory. Long-term stability with <2.5% precision over that full period of the test is achieved. A third approach is to review the nebulizer being used. The glass concentric nebulizer is the most common and while this offers good sensitivity, it is not ideal for samples with high TDS levels or large particles. For a challenging matrix, you can reduce blockages by selecting an alternate nebulizer. Agilent provides a selection tool that can recommend the best nebulizer for your application. 

A fourth approach to reduce or prevent nebulizer blockage is to filter samples prior to analysis. Of course, most users should adopt this approach, but many prefer not to do so because it impacts on productivity. However, this approach is highly recommended. By way of example, Figure 2 shows the Agilent Captiva syringe filters need only four steps to realize the full benefits of filtration.

Clean your sample introduction system 

How are those other critical components in the sample introduction system of the ICP-OES cleaned and maintained? The first component to consider is the spray chamber. The glass cyclonic spray chamber is probably the most common type of spray chamber in use today on an ICP-OES system; in most cases, it will work efficiently, but over time droplets can build up on the walls of the spray chamber (Figure 3). In such an instance, the spray chamber needs to be cleaned immediately, as the droplet formation will affect precision. The best approach for cleaning the spray chamber is to soak it overnight (preferably for 24 hours) in a 25% detergent solution (Triton X-100, Decon, Fluka RBS 25 will all clean effectively). After cleaning, the spray chamber should be rinsed and returned to the instrument ready for the next analysis.

The next component to consider is the torch for the ICP-OES instrument. To clean the torch of the Agilent 5000 Series ICP-OES instrument, the outer tube should be soaked in aqua regia (mixture of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid) for one hour – Agilent offers a very convenient cleaning stand for this purpose. After cleaning, both the inside and outside of the torch should be rinsed with de-ionized water and compressed gas (air, nitrogen or argon) pumped through the three gas supply ports to remove any remaining liquid.

For older systems, such as the Agilent 700 Series ICP-OES instrument, the process is virtually the same, except that the torch should be soaked overnight to remove any deposition that has taken place. Again, after cleaning it should be rinsed thoroughly to remove any remaining liquid and then, importantly, dried carefully before being returned to the instrument. On the 700 Series ICP-OES instruments the torch needs to be positioned manually, so after placing the torch into the torch holder the setting should be checked – the distance between the RF coil and the intermediate tube should be between 2 to 3 mm. This will ensure the correct location for efficient plasma formation and efficient sample excitation. The torch alignment routine also provides a means to verify that the torch is in the correct location – this routine allows both the vertical and horizontal positioning of the torch to be set, ensuring that the instrument is looking at the highest intensity region from the torch (Figure 4). This can also be a very useful way to do a quick performance check on the instrument because the maximum intensity should be consistent from day-to-day. Any changes in the intensity readings for the sample provides an indication that there is a potential blockage somewhere else in the instrument. Similarly, the ideal settings for the horizontal and vertical position of the torch should also remain fairly consistent and, again, sudden changes in these could indicate another issue with the torch.

Summary 

This overview summarizes some of the challenges that you may be facing in your laboratory. We have highlighted how most of the potential causes for failure or unplanned downtime in your laboratory can be traced back to issues in the sample introduction system. So by focusing your maintenance in the sample introduction area, you can reduce that risk of unplanned downtime. We have also included some guidelines and maintenance procedures that you can use to set up standard operating procedures in your laboratory which will help prevent these types of issues from reoccurring.

3. Metrohm: Trace detection of mercaptans in fuel 

Safe, rapid detection of mercaptans with Raman spectroscopy

• Application note
• Full PDF for download

Mercaptans are organic sulfur compounds with the general formula R–SH. They naturally occur in crude oil and cannot be effectively removed through the distillation process [1,2]. Elevated concentrations of mercaptans are corrosive and can reduce the thermal stability of fuels, leading to problems with engine health, performance, and increased pollution. Consequently, ASTM D1655 sets the maximum allowable concentration of mercaptans in jet fuel at 30 mg/L (ppm) [3]. 

Mercaptans are Raman active and at high concentrations they can be identified and quantified by analyzing their Raman spectra. However, the trace amounts of mercaptans found in fuels are generally below the limit of detection (LOD) of standard Raman spectroscopy. To overcome this limitation, SurfaceEnhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) can be employed, which significantly enhances the Raman signal and enables the detection and quantification of mercaptans at trace levels.

CURRENT METHODS FOR MERCAPTAN ANALYSIS

Standard methods such as potentiometric titration (ASTM D3227), ultraviolet fluorescence (ASTM D5453), gas chromatography (GC), and highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) are used to quantify low concentrations of mercaptans. However, these methods are time consuming and costly, require skilled personnel that can perform complex procedures, and generate chemical waste. Conversely, Raman spectroscopy is an easy to use, cost-effective analytical technique with quick results.

MERCAPTAN ANALYSIS WITH SERS

SERS (Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering) is ideal for trace materials below the LOD of traditional Raman spectroscopy, such as mercaptans found in fuels. SERS amplifies the Raman signal of molecules bound to nanoparticles through electromagnetic field enhancement generated from the excitation lasernanoparticle interaction. This enhanced signal exceeds the sensitivity of standard Raman techniques and enables rapid identification and quantification of trace amounts of chemicals. Additionally, SERS requires minimal training, it uses very small sample volumes (typically less than 20 μL), and it improves safety by minimizing exposure risks and waste disposal concerns.

CONCLUSION

Coupling MIRA XTR with Ag P-SERS substrates permits detection of trace mercaptan concentrations down to 0.05 ppm (50 ppb). This very low detection limit exceeds that of traditional methods and enables detection of mercaptan concentrations well below the ASTM standard [3]. A simple, fast analysis with SERS provides a safe, efficient, and highly sensitive solution for mercaptan analysis in complex fuel matrices.

4. Shimadzu: Precision Universal Testing Machines AUTOGRAPH AGS-X2 Series 

• Brochure
• Full PDF for download

The Shimadzu AUTOGRAPH AGS-X2 Series is a high-performance line of universal testing machines engineered for accurate, reliable, and user-friendly materials testing across a broad range of industries. Designed for both research and quality control, it supports tensile, compression, bending, and cyclic testing, while offering advanced automation and safety features.

Key advantages include high-speed sampling (1 ms), a wide load range with ±0.5% accuracy, and intuitive TRAPEZIUM X-V software for streamlined test management and analysis. Enhanced usability features include touch-operated stroke limiters, dual emergency-stop switches, and versatile grips and jigs for different materials like plastics, metals, and composites.

Optional extensometers (digital video, strain gauge, and automatic types), temperature chambers, and accessories enable compliance with global testing standards (ISO, ASTM, JIS). Whether for metals, CFRPs, plastics, or soft materials, the AGS-X2 Series delivers high-precision mechanical characterization in a robust, modular system built for evolving laboratory needs.