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Published on: May 10, 2021
Selective multiplex advantage with an electro-optic Hadamard transform spectrometer for multielemental atomic
D C Tilotta1, R C Fry, W G Fateley
1Department of Chemistry, Willard Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, U.S.A.
Talanta
|January 1, 1990
Summary
This study adapts a liquid-crystal spatial light-modulator Hadamard spectrometer for atomic analysis, overcoming multiplex disadvantages. A novel "selective multiplex advantage" enhances trace element detection by blocking intense emissions, improving signal-to-noise ratio.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Atomic Spectroscopy
Background:
- Hadamard and Fourier transform methods offer multiplexing advantages in spectroscopy.
- Atomic spectrochemical analysis often faces challenges with signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for trace elements.
- Traditional multiplex methods struggle with intense signals from major elements in atomic analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt a liquid-crystal spatial light-modulator Hadamard transform spectrometer for multielemental atomic spectrochemical analysis.
- To circumvent the multiplex disadvantage in atomic analysis.
- To enhance the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for trace element detection.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a liquid-crystal spatial light-modulator Hadamard transform spectrometer.
- Studied flame emissions of alkali metals as a model system.
- Implemented permanent electro-optic "closure" of Hadamard mask slits for intense emissions.
- Developed and experimentally validated a mathematical correction for optical leakage.
Main Results:
- Successfully adapted the spectrometer for multielemental atomic spectrochemical analysis.
- Demonstrated a "selective multiplex advantage" by blocking intense spectral features to improve SNR of weaker trace element signals.
- Identified and quantified "optical leakage" from the liquid-crystal Hadamard mask as a source of offset errors.
- A mathematical correction effectively mitigated concentration-dependent baseline-offset effects.
Conclusions:
- The adapted liquid-crystal Hadamard spectrometer is effective for multielemental atomic analysis.
- The "selective multiplex advantage" offers a viable strategy for enhancing trace element detection in atomic spectroscopy.
- Addressing optical leakage is crucial for accurate spectral transformation and quantitative analysis.
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