Bulk trace-impurity analysis
Bulk trace-impurity analysis
Material Analysis · Composition & Elemental
Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry (GDMS)
GDMS analysis for trace impurities in suitable high-purity solids, with sample geometry, target elements and quantification basis reviewed before quotation.
- Price
- from£680 per sample, excl. VATExisting family starting price, not a confirmed method-specific quotation. Method, matrix, preparation and reporting scope require review.A £45 service fee applies to orders under £300, excluding VAT.
- Turnaround
- 8–12 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- Thermo Fisher ELEMENT GD Plus
- Typical outputs
- Agreed trace-element resultsQuantification and reference-material basisSample and discharge-condition recordReporting limits and qualification notes
Why this service
What GDMS can help you understand
GDMS sputters a solid in a glow discharge and measures the resulting ions by mass spectrometry. This route focuses on bulk trace impurities, not an automatically included coating depth profile.
High-purity material comparison
High-purity material comparison
Quantification-basis review
Quantification-basis review
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the tool
The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.
Bulk trace-impurity analysis
Bulk trace-impurity analysis
- Best used when
- Bulk trace-impurity analysis
- Typical result
- Agreed trace-element results
- Preparation note
- Acceptance depends on discharge geometry, material compatibility and suitable quantification factors or reference materials.
High-purity material comparison
High-purity material comparison
- Best used when
- High-purity material comparison
- Typical result
- Quantification and reference-material basis
- Preparation note
- Sputtering consumes material. Depth profiling is a separately reviewed scope, not the default bulk result.
Quantification-basis review
Quantification-basis review
- Best used when
- Quantification-basis review
- Typical result
- Sample and discharge-condition record
- Preparation note
- Acceptance depends on discharge geometry, material compatibility and suitable quantification factors or reference materials.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
Agreed trace-element results reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Quantification and reference-material basis supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Sample and discharge-condition record provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Reporting limits and qualification notes included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Sample requirements
What to provide before work begins
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the decision, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable high-purity solid specimens | State composition, conductivity, dimensions and available amount. | Acceptance depends on discharge geometry, material compatibility and suitable quantification factors or reference materials. |
| Suitable high-purity solid specimens | List target impurities, expected ranges and reporting limits. | Sputtering consumes material. Depth profiling is a separately reviewed scope, not the default bulk result. |
| Suitable high-purity solid specimens | Declare surface contamination and permitted cutting or sputtering. | Acceptance depends on discharge geometry, material compatibility and suitable quantification factors or reference materials. |
Objective: state the decision, comparison or acceptance criterion the work must support.
Handling and access: declare hazards, instability, confidentiality, file constraints or special logistics before dispatch or transfer.
Questions and answers
Common planning decisions
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope, timing or interpretation.
Will I receive a coating depth profile?
The standard enquiry here is for bulk impurities. A depth-resolved question needs separate method and calibration review; use the GD-OES route for a coating-profile enquiry.
Can every solid be accepted?
No. Geometry, conductivity, matrix and preparation must be checked before acceptance. No universal impurity limit is promised.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope GDMS correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Required comparison, acceptance criterion or reference
- Preferred output and reporting depth
GDMS analysisfrom£680
A £45 service fee applies to orders under £300, excluding VAT.
Typical turnaround: 8–12 working days
Configure & Book