Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES)
Description
When an atom encounters a high energy source, the electrons in the atom are excited to specified higher energy levels. When these electrons return to their ground state(s), they emit characteristic wavelengths of radiation. By determining what wavelengths are being emitted, the analyst can determine what elements are present in the sample. By measuring the intensities of these wavelengths and comparing them to those generated by known standards, the concentrations of the different atoms can be determined.
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Technique Highlights
- Quantitative simultaneous determination of cations in a minimum of 3-5 ml of solution.
- Levels of detection vary for each cation (generally from .50 ug/L to .0001 ug/L).
- Some anions such as sulfur can also be determined.
- Dual View sampling results in greater range of concentrations measurable.
- Preferred technique for refractory cations such as Al, Si, W, Zr.
- Data generated may be downloaded as Excel worksheets.
- Cannot determine species of elements only total concentrations.
Typical Applications
- Elemental studies in stream waters and acid mine drainage.
- Cation measurements in fusion and digestion solutions.
- Analyses of refractory elements in solution.
Other information
Recommended Reading
Handbook of Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometry 2nd edition, M. Thompson and J.N. Walsh, Blackie, 1989