Characterization of a dc Plasma as an Excitation Source for Multielement Analysis

Abstract

A commercial dc plasma has been evaluated as an excitation source for multielement spectrometric analyses. Plasma temperatures have been measured and typical excitation profiles determined. Detection limits have been determined using a direct reading spectrometer equipped for simultaneous background correction measurements. The results indicate that precise multielement analyses can be carried out at low concentration levels comparable to those that can be obtained by flame atomic absorption methods.