Spark ionization

Schematic of Dempster's high-voltage radio-frequency spark ionization source

Spark ionization (also known as spark source ionization) is a method used to produce gas phase ions from a solid sample. The prepared solid sample is vaporized and partially ionized by an intermittent discharge or spark.[1] This technique is primarily used in the field of mass spectrometry. When incorporated with a mass spectrometer the complete instrument is referred to as a spark ionization mass spectrometer or as a spark source mass spectrometer (SSMS).[2]

  1. ^ IUPAC gold book definition
  2. ^ H. E. Beske, A. Hurrle and K. P. Jochum (1981). "Part I. Principles of spark source mass spectrometry (SSMS)". Fresenius' Journal of Analytical Chemistry. 309 (4): 258–261. doi:10.1007/BF00488596.