Analytical capabilities of a microwave-coupled hollow-cathode discharge

Abstract

The atomic spectrometric potential of using a hollow-cathode discharge (HCD) combined with a microwave (MW) field at 2450 MHz, particularly with regard to the determination of trace elements in solid conducting samples, pelletised materials and solution dry residues, is evaluated. Overall, improved operational stability, enhanced absolute emission intensity of spectral lines and decreased background levels afford better detection limits of at least one order of magnitude in all instances. In particular, the various aspects connected with the analysis of solutions are discussed in the light of further possible applications.