Tungsten-tube electrothermal atomizer, weta-90. Part 1. Design and performance of the atomizer

Abstract

A new version of a transversely heated tungsten-tube electrothermal atomizer (denoted WETA-90) has been developed and tested for a number of elements. The performance of two types of tungsten tubes is compared. The capability of this system to reach stabilized temperature atomization is discussed. Characteristic masses for 23 elements are listed and compared with those obtained with graphite furnaces (heated graphite atomizers) following the original or modified stabilized temperature platform furnace concept. The WETA-90 atomizer features unique analytical parameters particularly for analytes which react with graphite and form analyte compounds of low volatility.