Laser-enhanced ionization detection of trace copper in high salt matrices

Laser-enhanced ionization (LEI) is used to determine trace levels of metals in high salt matrices, an analysis that is difficult by conventional methods. Copper is presented in detail to demonstrate the capability of the method. Three-dimensional spectra of the stepwise excitation of copper are presented which illustrate the one photon, stepwise, and two-photon transitions. Seven copper transitions have been studied for analytical utility, and detection limits have been determined for each. Ionization interferences were accommodated by both matrix matching and separation of the interferences using ion exchange resin. Absolute determinations at the 0.05-ng level are possible with the use of a Teflon microsampling cup for low volume quantitative analysis. In addition to copper, silver, cobalt, iron, and nickel have been detected within the same dye tuning range. Twelve new LEI transitions have been identified for these elements along with detection limits.