In the week from May 11, the following webinars await you in the field of atomic and molecular spectroscopy and spectrometry<blockquote><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinars">👉 DETAILS AND REGISTRATION IN THE WEBINARS SECTION</a></h4>👉 Search and filter in the largest global database with over 5 500 GC, LC, MS and spectroscopy webinars.</blockquote><h5>1. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Uncovering Microplastics: Identification, Quantification, and Exposure Assessment</h5><ul><li>Tu, 12.5.2026 08:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6136">Registration</a></li></ul>In this webinar, we will explore complementary analytical solutions for comprehensive microplastics characterization.<h5>2. SPECTRO Analytical Instruments: Elemental Analysis of Superalloys: Ensuring Performance in Extreme Applications</h5><ul><li>Tu, 12.5.2026 10:30 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6170">Registration</a></li></ul>Learn how accurate elemental analysis ensures superalloy performance, with OES and XRF solutions for reliable quality control from lab to field.<h5>3. Agilent Technologies: What have you been smoking? Elemental Analysis in Cannabis and Cannabis Products with ICP-MS</h5><ul><li>Tu, 12.5.2026 20:30 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6063">Registration</a></li></ul>Learn how automated calibration and dilution streamline ICP-MS food testing workflows, improving accuracy, traceability, and productivity while addressing rare-earth doubly charged interferences.<h5>4. AZoM: Faster REE Exploration Decisions with XRF Technology Explained</h5><ul><li>We, 13.5.2026 16:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6195">Registration</a></li></ul>Join the webinar to see how handheld XRF provides a significant advantage in today's fast-paced REE landscape.<h5>5. Bruker: Advancing Industrial Metrology Automation with Bruker's Dimension AFMs</h5><ul><li>We, 13.5.2026 17:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6172">Registration</a></li></ul>This webinar will explore how Dimension AFM platforms support increasing levels of automation, from scripted measurements to data-driven control.<h5>6. Anton Paar: Polymer Rheology: Impact of Humidity on Material Behavior</h5><ul><li>We, 13.5.2026 18:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5801">Registration</a></li></ul>Discover how humidity impacts polymers and soft materials. Learn how moisture alters rheology, tackiness, curing, and flowability through real case studies across films, adhesives, foods, and powders.<h5>7. LECO: TOC Determination in Soil and Waste</h5><ul><li>Th, 14.5.2026 14:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6038">Registration</a></li></ul>Join this webinar to explore modern methods for TOC determination in soils and waste. Learn how standardized approaches, instrumentation, and method selection influence data quality and regulatory compliance.

Webinars LabRulezICPMS Week 20/2026

Routine chemical analysis typically involves several steps, e.g. selection of procedure, sampling, sample preparation, measurement, result calculation, uncertainty estimation, and reporting to customer. Based on the result, important decisions and actions are taken. The steps before and after the measurement are often referred to as “pre- and post-analytical”. There are many sources of uncertainty associated with this work, some of which can actually limit the overall quality.&nbsp;Proficiency testing (PT) and external quality assessment (EQA) schemes are effective means of assessing the quality of routine analyses. However, if there are specific procedures, either before or after the measurement, which are applied to the routine samples, but not to the PT test sample, the result reflects only the quality of part of the measurement process. Pre- and post-analytical PT/ EQA schemes are already widely used in laboratory medicine. The standard ISO 15189, that underpins accreditation of medical laboratories, stresses that EQA schemes should “... have the effect of checking the entire process including pre- and post-examination procedures ...”&nbsp;The examples in this leaflet illustrate the potential and importance of pre- and post-analytical PT/EQA. They are intended as an inspiration for the providers to further develop their external quality control activities.<h4>Pre- and post-analytical PT/EQA – a means for harmonisation&nbsp;</h4>By illustrating, e.g. lack of adherence to guidelines, or variation in sample preparation, or inconsistency in interpretation, pre- and post-analytical PT/EQA schemes pinpoint problems not apparent in other schemes. This may lead to improved harmonisation and changes to guidelines and standards.<h4>Example 1: Interpreting clinical chemistry information&nbsp;</h4>Patient background information together with analytical results can be used to check agreement of interpretational advice given by medical doctors. This type of scheme can, therefore, include both pre- and post-analytical aspects. The provider, e.g. through an expert group, ranks the quality of participants’ response and suggestions, and presents them in the report with comments.<h4>Example 2: Sampling requests in microbiology&nbsp;</h4>Using the scenario of food poisoning, pre- &amp; post-analytical aspects of sampling requests in a microbiology scheme can be highlighted. The provider gives information about food type, symptoms, and incubation time with a simulated sample. Participants choose which organism(s) to test for. The associated laboratory work involves examination of samples, report on method(s) of choice and results. Participants could, e.g. be asked to specify which toxins or pathogens are likely to cause the food poisoning and state whether or not they will disseminate information, e.g. to hospitals or food suppliers. The feedback report would then show the results of each participant together with the comments of the provider.&nbsp;<h4>Example 3: Toy testing&nbsp;</h4>Faulty design, usage and chance play a role in injury and death incidents related to children’s toys. Toy safety is the practice of ensuring that toys are safe, usually through the application of set safety standards. The PT provider sources a toy, performs visual assessment of its homogeneity, and distributes the samples. Participants are requested to assess the toy against the European standard EN 71 and they have to decide which clauses of the standard apply. The clauses chosen define the test(s) to be carried out. The feedback report will contain a “model answer” including clauses, tests and labeling requirements (when applicable).&nbsp;<h4>Example 4: Monitoring drinking water quality&nbsp;</h4>A post-analytical application can be underpinned by legislation and national regulations (Directive 98/83/EC). Participants receive a synthetic drinking water sample with properties close to one or more limiting values. They are requested to deliver results, uncertainties and a “pass/fail” recommendation to the customer. The recommendations of the provider are listed in the feedback report for educational purposes. Information can be fed back also to regulators to serve, e.g. as basis for further discussions.&nbsp;<blockquote><h5>More information / further reading&nbsp;</h5>Information about PT providers and schemes can be obtained from your national accreditation body, from the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.eptis.org/">EPTIS website</a> or from other national or international organisations.</blockquote>

Pre- and post-analytical proficiency testing

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 11th May 2026? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you presentation by MDCW / Mount Royal University, application by Shimadzu, and brochure by Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. MDCW / Mount Royal University: An Analysis of Fresh and Used Aircraft Oil: An Indication of Exposure Pathway Possibility to Inorganic and Organic Pollutants</h3><ul><li>Presentation</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/O_4_Hayes_fed01ca35a.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Aircraft engine oils are highly complex mixtures formulated to meet strict MIL-SPEC requirements for piston, turboprop, and jet engines, often containing proprietary additive packages designed to improve thermal stability, reduce wear, and prevent corrosion. In this presentation at the 17th Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop, Kevin Hayes investigated how aircraft oils change during engine operation and whether these changes could contribute to occupational exposure risks for flight crews and maintenance personnel. The study focused on comparing fresh and used oils from piston, turboprop, and jet aircraft to better understand how inorganic and organic contaminants accumulate or are depleted during normal engine operation.The research combined routine multi-element analysis using ICP-OES with advanced GC×GC-TOFMS speciation analysis. Used piston and turboprop oils were collected with assistance from the MRU Aviation Program, while used jet oil samples were obtained from a private European jet operator. Elemental analysis showed significant differences between new and used oils. In piston engine oils, sulfur and lead concentrations increased substantially during use, with lead accumulation linked to tetraethyl lead (TEL) from 100LL aviation fuel. Phosphorus compounds were also detected in used oils despite not being present in the fresh oil samples, indicating additional contributions from operational processes or additives.For jet and turboprop oils, phosphorus-containing additives behaved differently. Fresh oils contained relatively high phosphorus concentrations, but these levels decreased significantly after engine operation, suggesting additive depletion or release of phosphorus-containing compounds during use. The authors highlighted that this may be particularly relevant for bleed-air systems in commercial aircraft, where oil-derived compounds could potentially enter cabin air. GC×GC-TOFMS analysis further identified several organophosphate compounds in piston engine oils. Interestingly, commonly discussed compounds such as tricresyl phosphate (TCP) were not detected, while other organophosphates were observed instead, demonstrating the importance of comprehensive speciation analysis rather than focusing solely on previously suspected contaminants.The presentation concluded that aircraft engine oils undergo substantial chemical changes during normal operation, with both inorganic and organic compounds accumulating or being depleted in ways that are not captured by analyses of unused oils alone. While elemental analysis provided valuable first-level insight into wear metals and additive behavior, GC×GC-TOFMS delivered critical molecular-level information about specific contaminant classes and transformation products. Together, the results suggest that current hazard assessments based only on fresh oils may underestimate potential occupational exposure risks and demonstrate the value of combining elemental analysis with advanced multidimensional chromatography for a more complete understanding of aircraft oil-related exposure pathways.<h3>2. Shimadzu: Measurement of TOC in Chloroisocyanuric Acid Used as Disinfectant</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_01019_en_4c48146421.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h4>User Benefits</h4><ul><li>Samples such as chloroisocyanuric acid, which are difficult to detect using a wet oxidation TOC analyzer, can be measured with high sensitivity using the combustion oxidation <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=TOC-L">TOC-L,</a> which has a strong oxidizing power.</li><li>One sample can be measured quickly, typically within 10-20 minutes.</li></ul>In facilities where people have direct contact with water, such as swimming pools, hot springs, and bathhouses, strict water quality management is essential to protect public health and safety. Total organic carbon (TOC) measurement is widely used to detect water quality degradation caused by microbial growth and contamination with foreign substances.&nbsp;Solid powder chloroisocyanuric acids (including dichloroisocyanuric acid and trichloroisocyanuric acid), which exhibit minimal chlorine deactivation, are commonly used as disinfectants for swimming pool water instead of sodium hypochlorite solutions. However, because chlorinated isocyanuric acid is a recalcitrant substance, it is challenging to detect using wet oxidation TOC analyzers due to itsresistance to oxidation and decomposition. In contrast, a combustion oxidation TOC analyzer can measure chloroisocyanuric acids with high sensitivity and recovery rates due to itsstrong oxidizing power. In this application, we compared the TOC measurement results for sodium dichloroisocyanurate using a combustion oxidation <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=TOC-LCPH">TOC-LCPH</a> analyzer and a wet oxidation <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=TOC-VWP">TOC-VWP</a> analyzer.<h4>Conclusion</h4>The combustion oxidation TOC analyzer demonstrated high accuracy in measuring the samples. Due to its strong oxidizing power, the combustion oxidation TOC analyzer is particularly suitable for measuring TOC in samples containing recalcitrant substances such as sodium dichloroisocyanurate.<h3>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Exploring the surface in depth with XPS analysis</h3><ul><li>Brochure</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/exploring_surface_depth_xps_analysis_a5a921a258.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h5>The need for surface and interface analysis&nbsp;</h5>In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, precise material analysis is crucial for the development and optimization of advanced materials and devices. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is an established technique for the characterization of material surface chemistry, capable of revealing compositional information several nanometers into a sample. Depth profiling is a method that extends the analysis range of XPS; by alternating material removal and XPS analysis, it can reveal how composition changes from the surface to the bulk, or across interfaces between different compounds in a sample. This information can be just as critical as how a material’s surface interacts with its environment, and can provide a more complete picture of the material’s behavior and properties.&nbsp;The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/2206">Thermo Scientific™ Hypulse™ Surface Analysis System</a> is a fully featured XPS instrument with a range of additional analytical capabilities, including reflected electron energy loss spectroscopy (REELS) and low-energy ion scattering spectroscopy (ISS). The system is equipped with a Thermo Scientific MAGCIS Dual-Mode Ion Source and a novel femtosecond laser-ablation system (fs-LA) for XPS depth profiling.&nbsp;This eBook explores XPS depth profiling in detail and shows how the Hypulse System is ideally suited for this technique, helping you uncover critical surface and sub-surface information.

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 20, 2026

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The Thermo Scientific Hypulse Surface Analysis System delivers a new approach to XPS depth profiling. It combines traditional ion beam milling with femtosecond laser ablation technology to help you accurately examine thin films, coatings, and multi-layer structures, all without the risk of chemical damage to the sample.Join us as we introduce the Hypulse System and highlight how it can help you revolutionize XPS depth profiling.<h5>In this webinar, you will:</h5><ul><li>Learn how femtosecond laser ablation delivers depth profiling to over 30 µm</li><li>Discover advanced depth profiling capabilities available with the Hypulse System</li><li>See how the combination of laser ablation and ion milling makes it possible to analyze a wider variety of materials</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Tim NunneyTim is an applications development and marketing manager for the Thermo Scientific surface analysis (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) product line. He has been with Thermo Fisher Scientific since 2004, previously holding positions as an applications scientist, product manager, and in operations. Prior to joining Thermo Fisher, Tim worked as a post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Southampton investigating the dynamics of molecular dissociation on metal surfaces.</blockquote>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Explore damage-free XPS depth profiling with the Hypulse Surface Analysis System

Explore damage-free XPS depth profiling with the Hypulse Surface Analysis System

Join us as we introduce the Hypulse System and highlight how it can help you revolutionize XPS depth profiling.

Damage-free XPS depth profiling with Hypulse Surface

In this presentation, we will introduce the Thermo Scientific Hypulse Surface Analysis System and demonstrate how it can be used to go beyond the limits of ion beam depth profiling. Our application scientists will show how the novel femtosecond laser ablation system differs from monatomic and gas cluster ion beams by maintaining chemical information during profiles and increasing the range of depth into the sample that can be analyzed. Plus, we’ll also demonstrate how the Hypulse System is a fully-featured surface analysis instrument, and how Thermo Scientific™ Avantage Software can be used to interpret the collected data.<blockquote>Presenter: Robin Simpson, Application Scientist Dr. Simpson is involved in system demonstrations, customer training, and production of marketing content for surface analysis products. He joined the team in 2017 but had close links to the team for four years prior to that while he was undertaking his engineering doctorate at the University of Surrey. During this time, his thesis investigated the effects of argon cluster depth profiling on varied material surfaces using the MAGCIS ion source.Presenter: Paul Mack, Senior Application Scientist Dr. Mack joined Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2001 as an applications scientist, with focus on Auger electron spectroscopy. Soon after joining he became responsible for developing data processing tools for interpreting angle resolved XPS spectra and he also created an algorithm for automatic analysis of XPS survey spectra. As senior applications scientist for XPS, he works in a team that helps our XPS users make the most of their surface analysis tools for materials characterization. Before joining Thermo Fisher, Paul received a master of chemistry degree from the University of Southampton, where he also later studied rotational and vibrational spectroscopy as well as quantum mechanics for his PhD.Presenter: Tim Nunney, Sr. Manager, Application Scientists &amp; Product MarketingDr. Nunney’s role involves all aspects of product marketing for X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, including managing the applications team, customer evaluations, product development, training, and commercial support. He has been with Thermo Fisher Scientific since 2004, previously holding positions as an applications scientist and in operations. Prior to joining Thermo Fisher, Tim worked as a post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Southampton, investigating the dynamics of molecular dissociation on metal surfaces. He completed a PhD in surface science at the University of Liverpool, an MSc in surface science and catalysis at the University of Liverpool, and a BSc in chemistry from the University of Nottingham. Presenter: Hsiang-Han Tseng, Application Scientist Dr. Tseng develops applications workflows for surface spectroscopic tools for sample characterization and analysis and provides customer demonstrations and training. Prior to joining Thermo Fisher, Hsiang-Han obtained her BS in chemistry from National Taiwan Normal University as well as an MRes in nanomaterials and a PhD in materials science, both from Imperial College, London, UK. During her PhD, she investigated the spectroscopic, morphological, and magnetic properties of molecular thin films based on porphyrins and phthalocyanines for organic spintronic applications. &nbsp;Presenter: Simon Bacon, Application Scientist Dr. Bacon specializes in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. His primary role is training customers on highly technical XPS instrumentation and developing novel training methods. He first started working at Thermo Fisher in 2021 as a KTP associate in collaboration with the University of Surrey to develop the prototype instrument for a new XPS product line. Prior to this, Simon studied and worked in a diverse range of scientific disciplines, earning a BSc in biological science from University of Manchester, an MSc and MPhil in forensic science from University of Manchester and Brunel University, respectively, and an EngD in material science from University of Surrey. He also contributed to medical research as a research assistant at MRC and battery research as a research fellow at the Faraday Institution.&nbsp;</blockquote>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Hypulse Surface Analysis System Demonstration

Hypulse Surface Analysis System Demonstration

Introduce Thermo Scientific Hypulse Surface Analysis System and demonstrate how it can be used to go beyond the limits of ion beam depth profiling.

ICPMS webinars focusing on X-ray - page 1

Explore damage-free XPS depth profiling with the Hypulse Surface Analysis System

Hypulse Surface Analysis System Demonstration

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News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 20, 2026

Pre- and post-analytical proficiency testing

Webinars LabRulezICPMS Week 20/2026