Sample Support

Thermion mass spectromony is used for the analysis of isotope compounds in high-purity element fractions. At first the sample is dissolved in a very little drop (appr. 1µl) of water or diluted acid and then put on a very thin Rhenium or Tantalum support (filament). This filament is heated up to 1200°C under high-vacuum conditions in the ion source of the mass spectrometre. At this the sample evaporates and it is also thermally ionized. Ions are accelerated in a high voltage field and then, depending on their mass number, directed to differently bent trajectories. The mass spectrometre is currently used for the isotope analysis of the elements Ca, Sr, Sm, Nd and Pb.

Thanks to its long-lasting experience in precious metal processing, Heraeus is capable of producing an endless strip made of Rhenium. In this case low tolerances are realised so that the sample support can be efficiently applied.

The strips are produced from 0,03 mm thickness, although Rhenium is one of the most difficult materials to be formed.