Evaluation of Atomic Fluorescence Detection Limits with an Inductively Coupled Plasma as an Excitation Source and Atomization Cell

Abstract

The use of an inductively coupled plasma, ICP, as an excitation source for atomic fluorescence spectrometry, AFS, in a second ICP is re-examined. Improvements in the ICP-ICP-AFS setup have allowed the lowering of the limits of detection by one to two orders of magnitude below that of previous work. Also discussed is a new mode of operation for the atomization cell ICP. Through simple torch-position and flow-rate adjustments, a thin plasma, which extends 20 to 30 cm above the torch, can be produced. This plasma is referred to as the pencil plasma. With the use of these operating conditions, propane can be added to the Ar nebulizing gas to aid in refractory-element determination. The pencil plasma and the conventional plasma will be compared for use as an atom reservoir for AFS measurements.