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Analysis of Liquids Using the Submerged Plasma for Isotopic Detection and Elemental Resolution (SPIDER)
Davis Bryars1, Munmun Jahan1, Kayla Hahn1
1Department of Nuclear Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, USA.
Applied Spectroscopy
|August 21, 2025
Summary
A new Submerged Plasma for Isotopic Detection and Elemental Resolution (SPIDER) probe analyzes liquids using glow discharge. This versatile sensor accurately detects trace elements and isotopic shifts in challenging environments.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Plasma Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Accurate elemental and isotopic analysis of liquids is crucial for various industrial and scientific applications.
- Existing methods may face limitations in handling diverse liquid matrices or extreme conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel sensor, the Submerged Plasma for Isotopic Detection and Elemental Resolution (SPIDER) probe.
- To demonstrate the probe's capability for high-resolution, accurate, and versatile liquid analysis.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing an atmospheric pressure glow discharge submerged below the liquid surface.
- Employing emission spectroscopy on molten salts, liquid metals, and heavy water.
- Analyzing circuit transients in conjunction with plasma events.
Main Results:
- Successful identification of trace transition and rare earth metals in molten salts.
- Detection of the isotopic shift in the Hβ → Dβ emission line.
- Observation of two competing excitation modes (film explosion and droplet vaporization) with distinct spectral characteristics.
Conclusions:
- The SPIDER probe offers high resolution, accuracy, and versatility for liquid analysis.
- The probe is suitable for online material quantification in extreme liquid environments.
- Understanding competing plasma excitation modes enhances analytical capabilities.
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