Saturation of Energy Levels in Analytical Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry. I. Theory.
Abstract
The potential importance of energy-level saturation to analytical atomic fluorescence spectrometry has prompted a two-part fundamental investigation into the saturation process. The first part, reported here, develops a model for saturation which is applicable to both resonance and non-resonance fluorescence of atoms in flames or other gaseous media. Provision is made for considering both collisional excitation and quenching of atoms, and the exciting source can be chosen to be of any desired duration. To illustrate the utility of the model, values are predicted for the source spectral power density necessary to saturate several analytically important atomic transitions. Application of the model requires only a knowledge of the kinetic parameters of the energy levels being proved, including Einstein coefficients and quenching rates. Assumptions implicit in the model are discusssed and its sphere of valid application considered. Experimental verification of the model will be reported in part 2. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA033543
Entities
People
- D. R. Olivares
- G. M. Hieftje
Organizations
- Indiana University Bloomington