Measurement of trace elements in ceramic and quartz by laser ablation microwave-induced plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Plenary lecture

Abstract

Laser ablation into a microwave induced plasma and atomic emission spectrometry of the plasma was applied to the direct determination of trace elements (magnesium, aluminium, silicon and iron) in a high-temperature superconducting ceramic (YBa₂Cu₃O₇) and the determination of low sodium concentrations in high-purity natural and synthetic quartz used for the production of optical fibres. The emission spectra were measured by time-gated detection, normalized by internal standardization and calibrated with relevant spectra of standard reference samples (aluminium, copper and borax glass).