A multiple ion counter total evaporation (MICTE) method for precise analysis of plutonium by thermal ionization mass spectrometry

This paper presents a total evaporation method for the analysis of sub-picogram quantities of Pu, utilizing an array of multiple ion counters. Data from three standards are presented to assess the utility of the technique. An external precision of 1.5% RSD (2 sigma) was achieved on aliquots approaching 100 fg for the minor Pu-240 isotope. Accurate analysis of < 1 femtogram of Pu-240, is achievable, with an external reproducibility of better than 10% RSD (2 sigma). This new technique represents a significant advance in the total evaporation method and will allow routine measurement of femtogram sized Pu samples by thermal ionization mass spectrometry.