Use of Normalized Relative Line Intensities for Qualitative and Semiquantitative Analysis in Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry Using a Custom Segmented-Array Charge-Coupled Device Detector. Part III: Application to Laser Ablation

Abstract

In a previously published work, a procedure based on both line correlation and normalized line intensity ratios was described to perform qualitative analysis in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry based on the use of solutions. In this work, this procedure was applied to dry aerosols obtained by UV laser ablation. Since the procedure relies on the comparison of experimental normalized intensity ratios with stored normalized intensity ratios usually obtained by using synthetic solutions, a limitation was observed because it was found that wet and dry aerosols resulted in different plasma conditions and, therefore, different normalized intensity ratios. This limitation was overcome in the present work by adding a small amount of hydrogen (40 mL min⁻¹) to the gas which carried the ablated material. Plasma conditions were then similar to those observed with aqueous solutions. Good agreement in terms of the normalized intensity ratios was obtained for different types of ablated materials such as steel, glass, and polymers.