Comparison of Ultraviolet Laser Ablation and Spark Ablation of Metals and Alloys for Analysis by Axially Viewed Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry

Abstract

An excimer UV laser system and a spark system have been used for the ablation of metals and alloys as a means of sampling for axially viewed ICP-AES. Ablation efficiency and sensitivity expressed as S/B are presented for different types of materials. Ablation efficiency depends on the type of material and cannot be compensated for by using an internal standard. Cast iron and steel are among the materials that are the most difficult to ablate. At least for bulk analysis, spark ablation is a good compromise between investment cost and sensitivity. The pre-ablation time was found to be shorter for spark ablation than for laser ablation. Laser ablation requires less surface preparation and may be preferred for micro-analysis.