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Published on: June 9, 2016
Plasma emission sources in analytical spectroscopy-I.
S Greenfield1, H M McGeachin, P B Smith
1Albright and Wflson Ltd., P.O. Box No. 80, Oldbury; Warley, West Midlands, B69 4LN, U.K.
This review critically examines non-arc/spark plasma emission sources for analytical spectroscopy. It covers temperature concepts, arc plasma jets, and will detail microwave, capacitively coupled, and inductively coupled sources.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Plasma Physics
Background:
- Conventional arc and spark sources are widely used in analytical spectroscopy.
- A comprehensive understanding of alternative plasma sources is crucial for advancing analytical techniques.
- Previous reviews have not systematically covered the range of non-conventional plasma sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a critical survey of plasma emission sources used in analytical spectroscopy, excluding conventional arc and spark methods.
- To analyze the characteristics of various plasma sources, including temperature, sensitivity, precision, and matrix effects.
- To compare different plasma sources to guide the selection of optimal excitation methods.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and critical analysis of existing research on plasma emission sources.
- Categorization of plasma sources into arc plasma jets, microwave-coupled, capacitively coupled, and inductively coupled types.
- Evaluation of sources based on parameters such as temperature, sensitivity, precision, and freedom from matrix effects.
Main Results:
- Part I focuses on temperature concepts and arc plasma jets.
- Subsequent parts will detail microwave, capacitively coupled, and inductively coupled sources.
- A comparative analysis of all reviewed sources will be presented in the final part.
Conclusions:
- Non-conventional plasma sources offer distinct advantages for specific analytical challenges.
- Understanding the fundamental principles and performance metrics of each source type is essential.
- This survey aims to facilitate informed decisions in selecting appropriate plasma sources for analytical spectroscopy.
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