Atomic emission spectrometric detection limits and noise power spectra of argon inductively coupled plasma discharges formed with laminar- and tangential-flow torches

Abstract

Atomic emission spectrometric detection limits and noise power spectra were measured for argon inductively coupled plasmas (Ar ICPs) formed in tangential- and laminar-flow torches. To identify the origin of the noise sources from the sample introduction systems and the plasmas, noise power spectra were collected for two frequency ranges: 0–35, and 0–1060 Hz. In contrast to previous reports, the replacement of tangential flow by laminar flow resulted in no significant improvement in the detection power of the Ar ICP when torches with extended outer tubes were used.