Laser-enhanced ionization detection of magnesium atoms by a combination of electrothermal vaporization and flame atomization

Abstract

A system for the electrothermal vaporization flame atomization laser-enhanced ionization (ETV-FL-LEI) detection of Mg was optimized and completely characterized. The vaporization, transport, atomization, probing, and detection efficiencies were all determined experimentally. The overall efficiency of the system was found to be 0.00251%. The experimental detection limit of 2 ng ml^–1(20 pg) for Mg was limited by noise due to the blank signal. A detection limit of 590 fg ml^–1(5.9 fg) could be achieved in the absence of the blank and a reduction of radiofrequency noise.