Atomic Emission Spectrometry of Trace Metals Using a New Kind of Microwave-Induced Helium Plasma at Atmospheric Pressure,

Abstract

A recently described resonant cavity for generating microwave-induced helium plasmas (mips) at atmospheric pressure has been evaluated for use in the emission spectrometric determination of metallic elements, and has been found to offer several advantages over alternative designs. The new cavity allows self-ignition of an atmospheric pressure helium MIP. In addition, the plasma which is formed exhibits significantly improved operational stability and is considerably less susceptible to injected aerosol samples. The helium MIP was used in conjunction with a single-shot microarc sample atomizer. With this combination, analytical calibration curves for Zn, Pb, Mn, Mg, Cu, Ca, and Na are linear over 2 to 5 orders of magnitude of concentration; also, detection limits for these elements are equal to or better than those obtainable with other MIPs. As with most MIPs, the ionization of easily ionized elements must either be overcome using ionization suppressants or exploited through use of ion emission lines. Interference from refractory elements is lower than exhibited by most MIPs. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1978
Accession Number
ADA051178

Entities

People

  • Andrew T. Zander
  • Gary M. Hieftje

Organizations

  • Indiana University Bloomington

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Autoignition
  • Barometric Pressure
  • Calibration
  • Cavity Resonators
  • Chemistry
  • Detection
  • Diameters
  • Diatomic Molecules
  • Dielectrics
  • Dynamic Range
  • Elements
  • Emission
  • Excitation
  • Ignition
  • Materials
  • Military Research
  • Power Supplies

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Combustion science or combustion engineering.
  • Molecular Photonics/Laser Physics
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.