Simplex optimisation of a 5-kW nitrogen-cooled argon inductively coupled plasma for maximum signal to background ratios and minimum matrix interference

Abstract

A modified sequential simplex method, using five variable plasma operating parameters, was used to optimise a 5-kW nitrogen-cooled argon inductively coupled plasma for multi-element analysis (up to six elements). Composite maximum net signal to background ratio (SBR) and minimum matrix interference response functions biased towards those elements present at low concentrations and near to their detection limits were used sequentially. The optimisation resulted in high SBRs and minimum matrix effects.