Improving sensitivity and precision by automated dual silica tube atom trapping

Abstract

The significant parameters in the operation of a water-cooled atom trap were optimised using simplex optimisation and a comparison was made between the manually operated switching system for the water-cooled atom trap and the automated system. The technique was applied to the determination of Cd, Pb, Cu and Mn in River Avon water. The characteristic concentrations obtained by the use of various coating materials are discussed for 12 elements. A holder for the dual silica tube atom trap and an electronic control box for the automation of the water-cooled atom trap are also described.