Atmospheric cleaning system and laser ablation method for sample processing

Abstract

Systems and methods for controlling the flow of a cleaning gas introduced into an ablation cell between samples to remove atmospheric gases are described.One system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a spray chamber comprising a spray chamber body, a transfer gas inlet configured to receive gas from a laser ablation sample cell, a first outlet line configured to transfer gas from the spray chamber to an inductively coupled plasma torch, and a second outlet line coupled to the spray chamber body, wherein the second gas outlet has a larger internal cross-sectional area than the internal cross-sectional area of ​​the first outlet line; and a valve fluidically coupled to the second outlet line, wherein the valve is configured to switch between at least one open configuration configured to allow transfer of gas through the second outlet line and a closed configuration configured to prevent transfer of gas through the second outlet line.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 USC §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 319,840, filed March 15, 2022, entitled “ATMOSPHERIC PURGE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LASER ABLATION PROBE PROCESSING.” BACKGROUND

[0002] Laser ablation with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) and laser ablation with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (LA-ICP-OES) can be used to analyze the composition of a target, such as a solid or liquid target material. Often, a sample of the target is provided to an analysis system in the form of an aerosol (i.e., a suspension of solid and possibly liquid particles and / or vapor in a carrier gas, such as helium gas). The sample is typically generated by placing the target within a laser ablation chamber, introducing a flow of a carrier gas within the chamber, and ablating a portion of the target with one or more laser pulses to create a plume containing particles and / or vapor ejected from the target or otherwise generated suspended within the carrier gas.Carried along within the flowing carrier gas, the target material is transported to an analysis system via a transport line to an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torch, where it is ionized.

[0003] A plasma containing the ionized particles and / or vapor is then analyzed by an analytical system, such as a mass spectrometry (MS), optical emission spectrometry (OES), isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), or electrospray ionization (ESI) system. For example, ICP spectrometry is an analytical technique commonly used for determining trace element concentrations and isotope ratios in liquid samples. ICP spectrometry uses electromagnetically generated, partially ionized argon plasma that reaches a temperature of approximately 7,000 K. When a sample is introduced into the plasma, the high temperature causes sample atoms to become ionized or emit light. Since each chemical element produces a characteristic mass or emission spectrum, measuring the spectra of the emitted mass or light allows the elemental composition of the original sample to be determined. SUMMARY

[0004] Systems and methods are described for controlling the flow of a purge gas introduced into an ablation cell between samples to remove atmospheric gas, using a mixing cell with two outlets, one of which maintains a constant inner diameter over time and the second of which uses a valve to control the output flow without quenching a plasma used by an inductively coupled plasma analysis system to measure analytes in the samples. One system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a spray chamber including a spray chamber body, a transfer gas inlet coupled to the spray chamber body and configured to receive gas from a laser ablation sample cell, a first outlet conduit coupled to the spray chamber body and configured to transfer gas from the spray chamber to an inductively coupled plasma torch,and a second outlet conduit coupled to the spray chamber body, wherein the second gas outlet has a larger internal cross-sectional area than an internal cross-sectional area of ​​the first outlet conduit, and a valve fluidly coupled to the second outlet conduit, wherein the valve is configured to switch between at least one open configuration configured to allow transfer gas through the second outlet conduit and a closed configuration configured to prevent transfer of gas through the second outlet conduit.

[0005] One system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, an inductively coupled plasma torch configured to ionize at least a portion of a gas from a laser ablation sample cell; a spray chamber fluidly coupled to the inductively coupled plasma torch, the spray chamber including a spray chamber body, a transfer gas inlet coupled to the spray chamber body and configured to receive gas from the laser ablation sample cell, a first outlet conduit coupled to the spray chamber body and configured to transfer gas from the spray chamber to the inductively coupled plasma torch, and a second outlet conduit coupled to the spray chamber body, the second gas outlet having a larger internal cross-sectional area than an internal cross-sectional area of ​​the first outlet conduit;and a valve fluidly coupled to the second outlet conduit, the valve configured to transition between at least one open configuration configured to allow transfer of gas through the second outlet conduit and a closed configuration configured to prevent transfer of gas through the second outlet conduit, wherein a difference in the respective internal cross-sectional areas of the first outlet conduit and the second outlet conduit is configured to allow transfer of a majority of the transfer gas through the second outlet conduit when the valve is in the open configuration to prevent quenching of a plasma at the inductively coupled plasma torch;

[0006] One method embodiment includes, but is not limited to, transferring gas from a laser ablation sample cell to an inductively coupled plasma torch via a transfer line that has an unobstructed inner diameter over time between individual samples taken from the laser ablation sample cell, and preventing transfer of gas from the laser ablation sample cell to the inductively coupled plasma torch by actuating a valve fluidly coupled between the laser ablation sample cell and the inductively coupled plasma torch.

[0007] This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. DRAWINGS

[0008] The detailed description is described with reference to the attached figures. Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a system for controlling the flow of a cleaning gas introduced into an ablation cell between samples, according to example implementations of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a mixing chamber and valve configured to maintain a constant inner diameter for a gas transfer line coupled between a laser ablation system and an analysis system, according to example implementations of the present disclosure. Fig. 3A is a side view of the mixing chamber of Fig. 2. Fig. 3B is a top view of the mixing chamber of Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 4A is a schematic representation of the mixing chamber and valve of Fig. 2, shown in a sample transfer configuration. Fig. Figure 4B is a schematic representation of the mixing chamber and valve of Fig. 2, shown in a cleaning configuration. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the valve of Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a mixing chamber and valve configured to maintain a constant inner diameter for a gas transfer line coupled between a laser ablation system and an analysis system, according to example implementations of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 7 is a graph of laser ablation cell pressure for multiple samples for each of a system using a mixing chamber and valve configuration described herein and a laser ablation system using a pinch valve to isolate the ICP torch from atmospheric gas introduced into the laser ablation cell between samples. DETAILED DESCRIPTIONOverview

[0009] Laser ablation is a sampling technique that uses a focused beam of pulsed laser light in a laser ablation cell to convert a portion of a solid or liquid sample from a target object into an aerosol phase, which is transported on a gas stream into an analyzer, such as an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICPMS). Multiple laser pulses can be used to ablate different regions of the sample to generate an adequate signal and ensure that a representative sample is collected for analysis.

[0010] Laser ablation systems can use automated sample loading techniques to facilitate the automated handling of multiple samples for a single laser ablation cell. For example, the laser ablation system can include a sample loading system (e.g., a sample carousel) to accommodate multiple samples and introduce the samples sequentially into the laser ablation cell to produce individual ablated samples. For example, the sample carousel can rotate to bring a given sample into proximity beneath a laser ablation cell. A piston positioned beneath the carousel can raise a given sample vertically into or against the laser ablation cell and hold the sample in position during laser ablation sampling. Following transfer of the ablated target material from the laser ablation cell to the analyzer, the piston can lower the sample, with the carousel positioning the next sample into proximity beneath the laser ablation cell.During sample transitions, atmospheric gas may enter an exposed laser ablation cell, such as when lowering the piston exposes a lower section of the laser ablation cell to the atmosphere or entrained atmospheric gases present within the laser ablation system. If the atmospheric gas were directed to the analyzer, the ICP torch plasma could be extinguished, resulting in ICP analyzer downtime during subsequent ICP torch re-ignition and the performance of any recalibration or stabilization techniques, which in turn reduces sample throughput and increases the cost of operating the ICP analyzer (e.g., due to increased nebulizer gas consumption, power requirements, and the like).

[0011] One option to prevent atmospheric gas from entering the ICP torch is to use a pinch valve to selectively choose the path for gas from the laser ablation cell to follow. For example, a transfer line from the laser ablation cell can split into two gas lines made of pliable / flexible material and enter a pinch valve. The first gas line connects the laser ablation cell to the ICP torch, and the second gas line connects the laser ablation cell to a cleanup point (e.g., vent, waste, etc.). During sample changes, the pinch valve pinches the first gas line by compressing the flexible tubing to prevent atmospheric gas from reaching the ICP torch, while the second gas line remains open to clean the atmospheric gas.During sampling, the pinch valve opens the first gas line and pinches the second gas line by compressing the flexible tube to prevent sample gas from being purged while allowing sample to pass through the first gas line to the ICP burner.

[0012] However, pinch valves cause many disadvantages in the operation of a laser ablation system due to frequent changes in the inner diameter of the tubing running between the laser ablation cell and the ICP analyzer. For example, the opening and closing action of the pinch valves can be unreliable due to sticking of the flexible tubing between opening / closing operations (e.g., the tubing's inner walls stick to themselves), deformation of the flexible tubing over time (e.g., stiffening of the flexible tubing material), or other reasons. Tubing sticking or other tubing deformation can increase over time due to mechanical failure or tubing aging.Additionally, the tubing can be prone to clogging, with sample or atmospheric particles building up at the pinch points, compromising the consistency of sample analysis by the ICP analyzer and requiring frequent tubing maintenance or replacement. This often only becomes apparent after perceived sample procedure failures, resulting in sample reprocessing after tubing maintenance and the associated loss of time. Such mechanical problems with the pinch valves can lead to, among other things, variable cell pressure of the laser ablation cell during sample processing and variable sensitivity of the ICP analyzer for measuring analytes in the sample gas transmitted from the laser ablation cell.

[0013] Accordingly, in one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for controlling the flow of a purge gas introduced into an ablation cell between samples (e.g., samples introduced sequentially into a laser ablation cell via a carousel loading system or the like) to remove atmospheric gas using a mixing cell with two outputs without quenching a plasma used by an inductively coupled plasma analysis system to measure analytes in the samples. One output maintains an unobstructed internal flow path (e.g., an internal cross-section that does not appreciably change over time), and the second output uses a valve to control the output flow. The first output conduit couples the mixing cell to the ICP torch with a conduit that maintains an unobstructed internal flow path over time (e.g.,A second outlet line (constant inner diameter over time, no pinching, no valve, no flow path deviation, etc.) provides a conduit through which the sample gas can reach the ICP analyzer. The second outlet line has a significantly larger opening than the first outlet line and couples the mixing cell to a purge point via a valve that can open and close to allow or prevent gas from being purged from the mixing cell.

[0014] When the valve is opened, the large orifice presents an open flow path, and most of the inlet streams into the mixing chamber flow out of the purge path due to resistance from the smaller orifice in the other direction toward the ICP torch (e.g., due to backpressure in the hose). When the large orifice presents a closed flow path (e.g., due to the valve being closed), the inlet streams into the mixing chamber are directed entirely toward the ICP. This allows a purge gas to be added to the ablation cell and the entire path to the mixing cell to be purged without the need for a physical clamp or restriction of the system. In implementations, the valve includes an internal flow path through the valve that has an inner diameter matching the inner diameter of the second output line of the mixing chamber to prevent material buildup within the valve.In implementations, the internal flow path has a constant inner diameter between an inlet port for the valve and a flow selector within the valve that transitions the flow path between the open and closed configurations. The systems and methods described herein provide a substantially constant cell pressure for the laser ablation sample between samples, avoiding the inconsistent cell pressures introduced by using pinch valves. Example implementations

[0015] With general reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 7, systems 100 for controlling the flow of a purge gas introduced into a laser ablation cell between samples to remove atmospheric gas without quenching a plasma used by an inductively coupled plasma analysis system are shown, according to example implementations of the present disclosure. The system 100 generally includes a laser ablation system 102 in fluid communication with each of a mixing chamber 104 and an analysis system 106. The laser ablation system 102 includes a laser ablation cell that holds a sample while a focused beam of pulsed laser light converts a portion of the sample into an aerosol phase that is carried on a gas stream into the mixing chamber 104.The mixing chamber 104 can introduce one or more additional gas streams to mix with the sample gas stream and also fluidically couples the laser ablation system 102 to the analysis system 106, which in implementations is an inductively coupled plasma analysis system, such as an ICP-MS system, used to measure one or more analytes in the sample gas stream. The mixing chamber 104 also fluidically couples the laser ablation system 102 to a purge point (e.g., vent, waste, etc.) to purge atmospheric gases present in the ablation chamber introduced during the transition from one sample to the next in the laser ablation cell, preventing the purge gases from quenching the ICP plasma.

[0016] The mixing chamber 104 is in Fig. 2 to Fig. 4B, which include a mixing chamber body 200 having a first outlet line 202 and a second outlet line 204. The first outlet line 202 is configured to fluidically couple the mixing chamber 104 to an ICP burner 400 of the analysis system 106 for transferring the sample gas from the laser ablation system 102 to the analysis system 106. The second outlet line 204 is coupled directly or indirectly via an intermediate hose to a valve 206 configured to switch between at least one open configuration (e.g., in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4B), which fluidically couples the mixing chamber 104 to a cleaning point 208, and a closed configuration (e.g., as shown in Fig. 4A) that prevents gas flow through the second outlet conduit 204. For example, the valve 206, in the closed configuration, may fluidly couple the second outlet conduit 204 to a clogged or otherwise blocked valve port to prevent the flow of fluids through the valve 206.

[0017] Although the valve 206 is shown coupled to the bottom of the mixing chamber body 200 with the second outlet conduit 204 located substantially entirely within the valve 206, the system 100 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the second outlet conduit 204 may be a longer hose to substantially space the mixing chamber body 200 from the valve 206, with a particulate trap or filter coupled between the valve 206 and the mixing chamber 104 to remove particulates entrained in the purge gas. In implementations, one or more of the fluid conduits in the system 100 include a grounded fluoropolymer hose. For example, one or more of the first outlet conduit 202 and the second outlet conduit 204 may be formed from a grounded fluoropolymer hose having a carbon filament for grounding the conduits.

[0018] The first outlet conduit 202 generally has a smaller internal cross-sectional area for gas flow therethrough compared to the second outlet conduit 204. For example, the second outlet conduit 204 may have an internal diameter that is between about 4 and 20 times larger than the internal diameter of the first outlet conduit 202. While the first outlet conduit 202 or portions downstream of the first outlet conduit 202 (e.g., burner injector, transfer hose, etc.) may transition from one cross-sectional area to another (e.g., transition to a smaller cross-sectional area as they enter the ICP burner injector), the cross-sectional area of ​​the first outlet conduit 202 and the downstream conduits does not change over time, whereas pinch valves intentionally change the cross-sectional area to impede or otherwise prevent fluid flow therethrough.The smaller internal cross-sectional area for the first outlet conduit 202 provides a flow resistance for gas flowing into the mixing chamber 102, such that most, all, or substantially all of the gas entering the mixing chamber 102 flows through the second outlet conduit 204 when the valve 206 is in the open configuration (e.g., during cleaning cycles of the laser ablation system 102). For example, backpressure caused by reducing the internal diameter of the first outlet conduit 202 compared to the second outlet conduit 204 may cause the gas flowing into the mixing chamber to be directed into the second outlet conduit 204 for transfer to the cleaning site 208. In an exemplary implementation, the second outlet conduit 204, which has an internal diameter 5.25 times larger than the internal diameter of the first outlet conduit 202 (e.g.,For example, assuming an inner diameter of 1.6 mm for the first outlet line 202 and an inner diameter of 8.4 mm for the second outlet line 204, the backpressure will be approximately 27 times higher in the first outlet line 202 compared to the second outlet line 204. Backpressure differences can also be introduced or adjusted based on a length of the first outlet line 202, with longer hoses generally resulting in higher backpressures based on inner diameter differences between the first outlet line 202 and the second outlet line 204.

[0019] The mixing chamber 104 is shown as including a transfer gas inlet port 210 for receiving gas transferred from the laser ablation cell of the laser ablation system 102, which may include sample gas, clean gas, or other gases depending on the operation of the laser ablation system 102. The mixing chamber 104 also includes one or more ports for introducing fluids for mixing with gas received via the transfer gas inlet port 210. For example, the mixing chamber 104 is shown with a mixing port 212 for introducing a nebulizing gas (e.g., Ar) to mix with the sample gas within the mixing chamber body 200, which may improve signal smoothing and stability during analysis by the analysis system 106. Alternatively or additionally, the mixing chamber 104 may include a gas addition port 214 having an introduction region coupled to the first outlet conduit 202 (e.g.positioned on a vertical portion 216 above the mixing chamber body 200) to introduce gas to assist sample matrix reduction for samples transferred to the analysis system 106, wherein large matrix particles can dislodge the plasma of the ICP torch. For example, gas introduced to the gas addition port 214 can impinge large matrix particles against the vertical portion 216 for transfer back into the mixing chamber body 200, preventing the large matrix particles from reaching the ICP torch of the analysis system 106. As one example, the gas addition port 214 can direct gas into the first outlet conduit 202 in a crossflow orientation (e.g., perpendicular, substantially perpendicular, or otherwise offset) with respect to the fluid flow traveling through the first outlet conduit 202 to impinge large matrix particles against the vertical portion 216 for transfer back into the mixing chamber body 200.

[0020] The System 100 is in Fig. 4A during a sampling operation of the laser ablation system 102, with the valve 206 in the closed configuration to prevent gas flow through the second outlet line 204. During the sampling operation, the transfer gas from the ablation cell of the laser ablation system 102 enters the mixing chamber 104 via the transfer gas inlet port 210 and is directed through the mixing chamber body 200 and into the first outlet line 202, transferring the transfer gas to the ICP burner of the analysis system 106. A nebulizer gas may be introduced into the mixing chamber 104 via the mixing port 212 to mix the nebulizer gas and the transfer gas within the mixing chamber body 200 for subsequent passage out the first outlet line 202. The system 100 can maintain the sampling operation configuration during generation of the ablated sample and while the sample cell remains closed to the atmosphere.When the sample cell is closed to the atmosphere, atmospheric gases cannot enter the mixing chamber 104 and therefore do not threaten to extinguish the plasma generated by the ICP torch 400.

[0021] When the system 100 is ready to transition to a new sample and thereby open the sample cell to the atmosphere (e.g., another sample loaded on a sample carousel is available to be processed by the laser ablation system 102), the system 100 may transition to a cleaning configuration, an example of which is shown in Fig. 4B, with valve 206 in the open configuration. During the cleaning configuration, cleaning gas (which may include atmospheric gas) from the ablation cell of laser ablation system 102 enters mixing chamber 104 via transfer gas inlet port 210 and is directed through mixing chamber body 200 and into second outlet conduit 204. While the inner diameter of first outlet conduit 202 remains unchanged and open to flow (e.g., no pinch valve or other valve is present; there are no changes over time in the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path from mixing chamber 104 to ICP torch 400, etc.), the smaller inner diameter provides a flow resistance to the cleaning gas, causing the cleaning gas to preferentially move into second outlet conduit 204, through valve 206, and into cleaning site 208.In implementations, the purge location 208 includes a particulate trap or filter to remove particulates entrained in the purge gas. Alternatively or additionally, a particulate trap or filter may be present upstream of the valve 206, such as coupled between the mixing chamber 104 and the valve 206 (e.g., as shown in FIG. Fig. 6 shown).

[0022] With reference to Fig. 5, an exemplary implementation of the valve 206 is shown. In implementations, the valve 206 includes an internal flow path 500 through the valve 206 having an inner diameter (e.g., shown as 502) that matches the inner diameter of the second output conduit 204 of the mixing chamber 104 to prevent material buildup within the valve. In implementations, the internal flow path 500 has a constant inner diameter between an input port for the valve 502 and a flow selector 504 within the valve 206 that transitions the flow path between the open and closed configurations. For example, the flow selector 504 may define one or more channels 506 to selectively fluidly couple two ports of the valve 206 together, such as by rotating the flow selector 504 relative to the valve body 508 that defines the ports.The constant inner diameter of the inner flow path 500 can help smooth the transition of the purge gas and any particles contained therein without providing pinch points, structural overlaps, or other structure that can provide sites for particle buildup, which can pose a risk for introducing particles back into the mixing chamber 104 and into the first outlet line 202 for transfer to the analysis system 106.

[0023] The system 100 may include a controller to automatically control operations of various aspects of the system 100. In implementations, the system 100 includes a computer controller to coordinate the operation of the valve 206 based on the status of the laser ablation system 102. For example, the controller may ensure that the valve 206 is in the closed configuration to prevent gas flow through the second outlet line 204 when the laser ablation system 102 is undergoing a sampling operation, and may ensure that the valve 206 is in the open configuration to prevent gas flow through the first outlet line 202 (e.g., due to flow resistance) when the laser ablation system 102 is undergoing a cleaning operation.

[0024] With reference to Fig. 6, an exemplary implementation of the system 100 is shown, wherein the valve 206 is fluidly coupled to the mixing chamber 104 via an extension 600 coupled to the second outlet line 204, and wherein the ICP burner 400 is coupled to the first outlet line 202 via a reducer line 602. The system 100 may be configured to prepare a sample for analysis by an ICPOES system, wherein the mixing chamber 104, the reducer line 602, and the ICP burner 400 are provided in a vertical configuration (e.g., a vertical stack) to provide a vertical flow path for the aerosolized sample to travel from the mixing chamber 104 to the ICP burner 400. The vertical flow path may introduce less back pressure into the system 100 than if the first outlet conduit 202 includes one or more bends in the flow path (e.g., an example of which is shown in Fig. 4A).

[0025] When the valve 206 is in the open configuration to deploy the system 100 in the purge configuration, the pressure differential between the first outlet conduit 202 and the second outlet conduit 204 may facilitate the preferential transfer of purge gas through the second outlet conduit 204 rather than the first outlet conduit 202. If the first outlet conduit 202 has insufficient backpressure, the preferential transfer of purge gas through the second outlet conduit 204 may decrease. In implementations, the reducer conduit 602 introduces additional backpressure into the first outlet conduit 202, which has the vertical flow path. For example, the reducer conduit 602 may have a decreasing internal cross-section to reduce the internal area through which fluids can flow.For example, the reducer line 602 may transition from a first inner diameter where the reducer line 602 couples to the first outlet line 202 of the mixing chamber 104 and narrow to a second inner diameter where the reducer line 602 couples to the ICP burner 400. In implementations, the inner diameter of the flow path to the ICP burner 400 expands downstream of the reducer line 602 (e.g., between the reducer line 602 and the ICP burner 400, within the ICP burner 400, etc.).

[0026] In implementations, the first inner diameter of the reducer line 602 may be approximately 0.2 inches and the second inner diameter of the reducer line 602 may be approximately 0.025 inches, with the reducer line 602 being approximately 0.5 inches long to transition between the first inner diameter and the second inner diameter. In implementations, the flow path widens to approximately 0.08 inches downstream of the reducer line 602.However, the system 100 is not limited to such dimensions and may include the reducer line 602 with larger or smaller internal dimensions and / or greater or smaller lengths and / or may include the extension downstream of the reducer line 602 with larger or smaller internal dimensions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, such as depending on the desired flow rates through the system, the desired pressure differential between the first outlet line 202 and the second outlet line 204, the desired backpressure value for the first outlet line 202, or the like. Although the reducer line 602 is shown coupled between the ICP burner 400 and the first outlet line 202 of the mixing chamber 104, it is understood that the first outlet line 202 may be constructed to integrate the reducer line 602 within the first outlet line 202. Experimental example - cell printing

[0027] In one implementation, the system 100 was used to measure the pressure of the ablation sample cell of the laser ablation system 102 for multiple samples compared to a system that uses a pinch valve to direct the flow of cleaning gas from the ablation sample cell. Referring to Fig. Figure 7 shows the cell pressure for system 100 and for the pinch valve system for hundreds of samples, with the pinch valve system showing significantly greater variation and inconsistency in cell pressure over time, especially when compared to the cell pressure for system 100. conclusion

[0028] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or process acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

[1] A system for controlling the gas flow from a laser ablation cell, comprising: an inductively coupled plasma torch configured to ionize at least a portion of a gas from a laser ablation sample cell; a spray chamber fluidly coupled to the inductively coupled plasma torch, the spray chamber comprising: a spray chamber body, a transfer gas inlet coupled to the spray chamber body and configured to receive gas from the laser ablation sample cell, a first outlet conduit coupled to the spray chamber body and configured to transfer gas from the spray chamber to the inductively coupled plasma torch, and a second outlet conduit coupled to the spray chamber body, the second gas outlet having a larger internal cross-sectional area than an internal cross-sectional area of ​​the first outlet conduit; and a valve fluidly coupled to the second outlet conduit, the valve configured to transition between at least one open configuration configured to transfer gas through the second outlet conduit and a closed configuration configured to prevent the transfer of gas through the second outlet conduit, wherein a difference in the respective internal cross-sectional areas of the first outlet conduit and the second outlet conduit is configured to allow the transfer of a majority of the transfer gas through the second outlet conduit when the valve is in the open configuration to prevent the quenching of a plasma at the inductively coupled plasma torch. [2] The system of claim 1, wherein the first outlet conduit provides an unobstructed internal flow path for the transfer gas to pass from the spray chamber to the inductively coupled plasma torch. [3] The system of claim 1, wherein the valve defines an internal flow path having an inner diameter that matches an inner diameter of the second outlet conduit of the mixing chamber to prevent material buildup within the valve when the valve is in the open configuration. [4] The system of claim 1, wherein the spray chamber further comprises a mixing port fluidly coupled to the chamber body, the mixing port configured to receive a nebulizer gas for introduction into the transfer gas within the chamber body. [5] The system of claim 1, wherein the spray chamber further comprises a gas addition port fluidly coupled to the first outlet conduit, the gas addition port configured to receive a gas configured to impinge on at least a portion of matrix particles present in the transfer gas in the first outlet conduit. [6] The system of claim 5, wherein the gas addition port is provided in a cross-flow orientation with respect to the first outlet conduit. [7] The system of claim 1, further comprising a reducer conduit coupled to the first outlet conduit downstream of the first outlet conduit, the reducer conduit defining an internal cross-sectional area that decreases in a downstream direction from the first outlet conduit to the inductively coupled plasma torch. [8] The system of claim 7, wherein a flow path downstream of the reducer conduit includes an internal cross-sectional area that expands to a size greater than the smallest dimension of the internal cross-sectional area of ​​the reducer conduit. [9] The system of claim 7, wherein the inductively coupled plasma torch is fluidly coupled to the reducer conduit, and wherein a flow path through the inductively coupled plasma torch includes an internal cross-sectional area that is greater than the smallest dimension of the internal cross-sectional area of ​​the reducer conduit. [10] The system of claim 1, wherein the spray chamber, the first outlet conduit, and the inductively coupled plasma torch are arranged in a vertical configuration. [11] A system for controlling the gas flow from a laser ablation cell, comprising: a spray chamber containing: a spray chamber body, a transfer gas inlet coupled to the spray chamber body and configured to receive gas from a laser ablation sample cell, a first outlet conduit coupled to the spray chamber body and configured to transfer gas from the spray chamber to an inductively coupled plasma torch, and a second outlet conduit coupled to the spray chamber body, the second gas outlet having a larger internal cross-sectional area than an internal cross-sectional area of ​​the first outlet conduit; and a valve fluidly coupled to the second outlet conduit, the valve configured to transition between at least one open configuration configured to transfer gas through the second outlet conduit and a closed configuration configured to prevent the transfer of gas through the second outlet conduit, wherein a difference in the respective internal cross-sectional areas of the first outlet conduit and the second outlet conduit is configured to allow the transfer of a majority of the transfer gas through the second outlet conduit when the valve is in the open configuration to prevent the quenching of a plasma at the inductively coupled plasma torch. [12] The system of claim 11, wherein the first outlet conduit provides an unobstructed internal flow path for the transfer gas to pass from the spray chamber to the inductively coupled plasma torch. [13] The system of claim 11, wherein the valve defines an internal flow path having an inner diameter that matches an inner diameter of the second outlet conduit of the mixing chamber to prevent material buildup within the valve when the valve is in the open configuration. [14] The system of claim 11, wherein the spray chamber further comprises a mixing port fluidly coupled to the chamber body, the mixing port configured to receive a nebulizer gas for introduction into the transfer gas within the chamber body. [15] The system of claim 11, wherein the spray chamber further comprises a gas addition port fluidly coupled to the first outlet conduit, the gas addition port configured to receive a gas configured to impinge on at least a portion of matrix particles present in the transfer gas in the first outlet conduit. [16] The system of claim 15, wherein the gas addition port is provided in a cross-flow orientation with respect to the first outlet conduit. [17] The system of claim 11, further comprising a reducer conduit coupled to the first outlet conduit downstream of the first outlet conduit, the reducer conduit defining an internal cross-sectional area that decreases in a downstream direction from the first outlet conduit to the inductively coupled plasma torch. [18] The system of claim 17, wherein a flow path downstream of the reducer conduit includes an internal cross-sectional area that expands to a size greater than the smallest dimension of the internal cross-sectional area of ​​the reducer conduit. [19] A method for controlling the gas flow from a laser ablation cell, comprising: Transferring gas from a laser ablation sample cell to an inductively coupled plasma torch via a transfer line that has an unobstructed inner diameter over time between individual samples taken from the laser ablation sample cell, and Preventing the transfer of gas from the laser ablation sample cell to the inductively coupled plasma torch by actuating a valve fluidly coupled between the laser ablation sample cell and the inductively coupled plasma torch. [20] The method of claim 19, wherein transferring gas from a laser ablation sample cell to an inductively coupled plasma torch via a transfer line having an unobstructed inner diameter over time between individual samples taken from the laser ablation sample cell comprises transferring the gas to a spray chamber fluidly coupled to each of the valve and the inductively coupled plasma torch, the spray chamber comprising: a spray chamber body, a first outlet conduit coupled to the spray chamber body and configured to transfer gas from the spray chamber to an inductively coupled plasma torch, and a second outlet conduit coupled to the spray chamber body, the second gas outlet having a larger internal cross-sectional area than an internal cross-sectional area of ​​the first outlet conduit, and wherein the valve is fluidly coupled to the second outlet conduit, wherein the valve is configured to switch between at least one open configuration configured to transfer gas through the second outlet conduit and a closed configuration configured to prevent the transfer of gas through the second outlet conduit.

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