Analytical flame spectroscopy by using a two-flame system. Part I. The suppression of spectral interferences from resonance lines in flame-emission spectroscopy

Abstract

A technique is described for the suppression of common atomic spectral interferences from resonance lines in flame atomic-emission spectroscopy. Improved spectral selectivity can be obtained by passage of the modulated radiation from the primary source flame through a second flame into which is nebulised a solution containing a relatively high concentration of the element the resonance line interference of which is to be removed. The atomic-absorption process that occurs attenuates the intensity of the unwanted radiation. A greater spectral band pass can then be used to gain energy at the detector without loss of selectivity. Spectral interferences between silver and copper, cobalt and nickel, manganese and gallium, and calcium and barium in the air-acetylene flame are considered in this study.