Analysis Of Gases In Glass Blisters

A system incorporating a very small sampling volume and a mass spectrometer with fast scan capability is described which allows the analysis of 'microblisters' in glass. Detection limits for the common blister gases are given.Sensitivity of this system is comparable to that of published gas chromatographic techniques and about two orders of magnitude better than previously reported mass spectrometric systems. use of a diamond point to penetrate the blisters has minimized outgassing and gettering of gases by the pristine surfaces of the broken glass.