Constant-temperature atomiser-computer controlled échelle spectrometer system for graphite furnace atomic emission spectrometry

Abstract

A constant-temperature atomiser (CTA) was combined with an échelle spectrometer for graphite furnace atomic emission spectrometry (GFAES). The spectrometer incorporated a quartz refractor plate, which provided wavelength modulation background correction, under computer control. In order to investigate various parameters for GFAES measurements we developed a versatile computer program (for data acquisition and waveform generation) and a CTA in which tube dimensions and heating modes could be varied. Optimum detection limits and dynamic calibration ranges were obtained for tubes of medium length having spatial and temporal isothermality. A three-step square waveform in combination with appropriate data acquisition parameters was used, which also rendered good background correction capability. Detection limits for 16 elements and analytical results for five elements in two NBS reference materials are presented.