Inductively coupled plasmas: line widths and shapes, detection limits and spectral interferences. An integrated picture. Plenary lecture

Abstract

This paper discusses the significance of the basic knowledge of atomic spectra for the interpretation of detection limits, the optimisation of line selection and the design of interference libraries for universal application in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Specifically, the paper reviews (i) the measurement of the physical widths and shapes of 350 prominent ICP lines of 65 elements, (ii) the use of these results for the breakdown of detection limits in general and the assessment and comparison of three comprehensive sets of detection limits in particular, (iii) the development and application of a new rational criterion for line selection in dependence on sample composition and spectral resolution and (iv) the prospects of using physically resolved spectral data in future compilations of spectral information for ICP-AES. Although the topic is treated with reference to ICP-AES, many aspects of the discussion are of general interest in AES.