Inductively coupled plasma in fluorescence spectrometry: source and atom/ion reservoir. Invited lecture

Abstract

Over the last decade, three systems involving the use of inductively coupled plasmas in atomic fluorescence spectrometry have been subjected to similar thorough investigations, which have resulted in similar findings. This similarity is not altogether surprising, as all the systems employ a low-power plasma as an atomizer and differ only in the source employed, namely another low-power plasma, a high-power plasma and hollow-cathode lamps. The system employing a high-power plasma is taken as the role model and the investigations and findings on that system are described. Possible ways of improving on the results from all three systems are described and suggestions are made on the manner in which the technique may advance.