Speaker
Stefano Nisi
(INFN - LNGS)
Description
The assembly of physics experiments searching for rare events involves the selection
of highly radio-pure materials. The possibility to measure natural radioactivity
(potassium, thorium and uranium) in a wide range of materials and with the best
available sensitivity is of basic importance in this field of research. Inductively
coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS) allows the direct identification and
quantification of almost all the stable elements and long-lived radionuclides in the
periodic table in a wide variety of matrix. A quadrupole and a double focusing
analyzer mass spectrometers are available at the Gran Sasso National Lab Chemistry
Service. Depending on the sample nature, it’s possible to achieve different levels of
sensitivity. Some examples of applications will be presented.