5. Glossary

Isotopes; Isotopes

Isotopes are atoms with the same number of electrons and protons, but different numbers of neutrons. Their chemical properties are the same, but their mass is different, leading to enrichments or depletions of certain isotopes, a process also known as "isotopic fractionation".

Interférence isobarique; Isobaric interference

Isobaric interference is when two ions have the same mass-to-charge ratio. The ability to resolve this interference is defined by the mass resolution of the instrument under the conditions used. A distinction can be made between fully resolved interference, where each mass is represented by a peak, and partially resolved interference, where the measurement is made on what is known as a "peak shoulder".