Some Applications of Microwave-Excited Electrodeless Discharge Tubes in Atomic Spectroscopy

Abstract

The need for an intense spectral line source in atomic absorption and atomic fluoresence spectroscopic measurements is discussed. Microwave-excited electrodeless discharge tubes would seem to satisfy all the essential requirements of these techniques. Their present state of development in the authors' laboratory is described in relation to methods of preparation, excitation conditions, and spectral characteristics of lamps. The application of certain discharge tubes in both atomic absorption and atomic fluorescence is briefly assessed, and the limits of detection obtained using commercial equipment at various wavelengths and in several flame types is presented.