Atomic spectrometry update: review of advances in atomic spectrometry and related techniques

Abstract

This review of 151 references covers developments in ‘Atomic Spectrometry’ published in the twelve months from November 2014 to November 2015 inclusive. It covers atomic emission, absorption, fluorescence and mass spectrometry, but excludes material on speciation and coupled techniques which are included in a separate review. It should be read in conjunction with the previous review¹ and the other related reviews in the series.^2–6 A critical approach to the selection of material has been adopted, with only novel developments in instrumentation, techniques and methodology being included. Most of the techniques discussed have reached a stage of maturity where major advances are less common, with many of the novel developments falling under the category of ‘applications’ and advances in instrumentation being confined to component parts, such as sample introduction and sample preparation systems. There have been some developments in mass spectrometry, with reports of distance of flight (DOF)-MS and zoom-TOF-MS to improve speed of data collection and resolution respectively; and further insights into space charge effects in the ICP channel and ion beam of ICP-MS. The development of components for portable systems continues to be of interest, covering areas such as plasma sources for OES, fibre-optic laser systems for LIBS, and compact components for planetary exploration. The quest for high sensitivity and precision and low noise has driven developments in MC-ICP-MS in order to improve precision of IR measurements for geochronology and other applications.