Analysis of metals using a glow-discharge source with a fluorescent atomic vapour as spectral-line isolator

Abstract

A compact and rugged spectral-line isolator based on atomic fluorescence from atoms generated by a low-pressure gas discharge has been constructed. The device is bolted to a standard glow-discharge source. A pulsed electrical current generates the atoms and the fluorescence is measured by means of a gated integrator. Several types of metals have been analysed, e.g., steel, cast iron, aluminium and gold. Good precisions and accuracies have been obtained.