https://doi.org/10.1140/epjc/s10052-014-2746-1
Special Article - Tools for Experiment and Theory
Krypton assay in xenon at the ppq level using a gas chromatographic system and mass spectrometer
Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik, Saupfercheckweg 1, 69117 , Heidelberg, Germany
* e-mail: Sebastian.Lindemann@mpi-hd.mpg.de
Received:
11
October
2013
Accepted:
16
January
2014
Published online:
4
February
2014
We have developed a new method to measure krypton traces in xenon at unprecedented low concentrations. This is a mandatory task for many near-future low-background particle physics detectors. Our system separates krypton from xenon using cryogenic gas chromatography. The amount of krypton is then quantified using a mass spectrometer. We demonstrate that the system has achieved a detection limit of 8 ppq (parts per quadrillion) and present results of distilled xenon with krypton concentrations below 1 ppt.
© The Author(s), 2014
