Acoustically Driven Device for Introducing Solid Samples into an Inductively Coupled Plasma

Abstract

A device is described that couples acoustic energy into powdered solid samples to facilitate their transport into an inductively coupled plasma. The system, entitled a sonic suspension device, is inexpensive and simple to build. In an experiment to illustrate its performance, calcium carbonate in a graphite matrix was introduced into an ICP; it offered moderate precision (relative standard deviation of 5% without the use of an internal standard) and acceptable sample-introduction efficiency.