A novel device for gas-phase sample introduction into microwave plasma: Lateral Sample Introduction

Abstract

This work presents a new technique to introduce molecular gases into atmospheric pressure microwave plasma named as Lateral Sample Introduction (LSI). The LSI device bypasses the active plasma generation region and so avoids plasma instability when introducing molecular gases, such as those arising from hydride generation. The technique was assessed by arsenic determination in aqueous solution after hydride generation. The LSI enables the plasma to support the entrance of the gaseous by-products from the derivative reaction without any intermediate step to reduce them.