Coupling techniques for inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry using an array spectrometer for laser solid sampling and speciation

Abstract

An array spectrometer for inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) uses a solid-state detector to register spectral regions in real time. This makes it an ideal tool for coupling devices that produce non-steady-state signals, because of the ability to perform background correction and, if necessary, internal standardization simultaneously. The important figures of merit for this type of application, such as precision and detection limits versus measuring time and long-term stability were investigated. The precision obtained was below 0.1% when an internal standard with matched excitation conditions was used with pneumatic nebulization. For solid sampling, it ranged to a few per cent., representing sample inhomogeneity. The long-term stability was determined continuously with an average maximum deviation of a few per cent. Two model applications, laser solid sampling and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with an ICP-OES instrument are presented.