Figures of merit for two-step furnace atomization plasma emission spectrometry

Abstract

A furnace atomization plasma emission spectrometry (FAPES) system was assembled using a two-step graphite furnace which consisted of a spatially isothermal tube positioned at the top of a cup. It was possible to ignite and stabilize an He 50 W r.f. plasma, tuned for a reflected power of less than 5 W, inside the tube, at temperatures of 2500–2600 K and subsequently heat the cup to vaporize the sample. Detection limits for Cr and Al were 298 and 30 pg, respectively. Sensitivities and detection limits for Pb, Cd and Sn were comparable to previously published values using a Massmann-type FAPES system employing a platform and Pd modifier.