Gas Phase Temperatures in Massmann Furnaces Equipped with L'vov Platforms

Abstract

The temperature of gaseous lead atoms in a Massmann furnace equipped with a L'vov platform was measured as a function of the distance above the platform. Under typical operating conditions the temperature of analyte atoms at the surface of the platform is several hundred degrees lower than is that of atoms at the walls of the tube. The magnitude of this temperature gradient depends upon both the mass and area of the platform and the heating rate of the tube containing it. L'vov platforms serve to raise the average gas phase temperature experienced by the analyte but do so by creating nonhomogeneous conditions across the optical axis and causing a loss of direct control of the sample volatilization process.