Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometers (ICP-MS) have become the workhorses of many analytical labs over the past few decades. Despite the instruments' high sensitivities and low detection limits there is still a demand for improvements in several aspects of their performance. One area of improvement is in the understanding of "space charge effects" Space charge effects are classified as problems associated with the ion beam. Problems are created when the mutual repulsions of the ions make consistent focusing of the ion beam difficult. This is particularly problematic with samples containing a low concentration analyte contained within a high salt solution matrix, resulting in lower instrument sensitivity and inaccurate results. The research presented here used laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) imaging to characterize the ion beam as it enters the mass analyzer of a commercial ICP-MS. To perform the LIF imaging a laser system with two ring cavities was constructed to frequency double a CW titanium-sapphire laser to the calcium ion transition at 393.4 nm or to the barium ion transition at 455.4 nm. Ion beam images for both elements were taken under different instrument modes and matrix compositions. The same trends in shift and distortion of the barium ion beam with the addition of a lead matrix was observed as in previous experiments with calcium. A shift in the focal point of the ion beams of both elements was also observed in normal sensitivity mode and with the instrument's collisional reaction interface (CRI). This work indicates that a shift in beam focusing is responsible for the change in ion transmission due to changes in matrix composition and instrument modes.

In order to meet future emission norms for small carbureted SI engines, such as those used on motorcycles in India, there is a need to study mixture preparation, specifically the two-phase flow exiting the carburetor and entering the inlet manifold. A fully functional, modular experimental rig is designed and erected for performing both qualitative and quantitative flow visualization. The vibrations of the engine are minimized to reduce their effect on the flow. A special, optically accessible tube of square cross-section is added between the carburetor and the inlet manifold, to enable the visualization of flow at the exit of the carburetor. An electronic circuit to obtain a signal for the engine crank angle and convert it to a standard TTL pulse, for use on standard imaging systems to capture cycle resolved-images is also designed. The flow in the optical section is qualitatively visualized using high and low speed cameras. The resulting images and movies show two modes of fuel transport within the inlet manifold, one of which is in the form of a dense cloud of fine fuel droplets during some part of the intake stroke. The second mode is in the form of a film at all times in the cycle, along the lower surface of the inlet manifold during idling and along vertical walls under loaded conditions. Recirculation is seen on the vertical walls of the manifold during idling and under load. Finally, the thickness of the fuel film in the optical section at the exit of the carburetor is measured, using PLIF. This part of the study also reveals that there is a film on upper surface of the optical section, at all loads and speeds. This film is lesser than the resolution of measurement for low loads, and increases to 0.5 mm in the case of highest load and speed attained at full throttle. In contrast to the loaded conditions, during idling, the film occurs on the lower surface of the manifold and its thickness is highest (1 mm.). The film is also present throughout the cycle during idling and all load-speed conditions, suggesting that the mixture that goes into the engine has a significant part of fuel in liquid form.