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Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy (ICP-AES)
Technique:
Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy provides simultaneous, multi-element quantization from a single sample anslysis. ICP allows a full metal scan on a small sample with very good detection levels. The detector for the ICP is a Vidicon tube that collects a signal from all wavelengths of light. With the usage of intra-element correction to reduce interferences, modern data systems can provide fast, accurate, economical results.
Application:
Emission spectroscopy is utilized to quantitate multiple elements simultaneously, generally metals. Detection levels vary with the individual elements and are typically in the low, part per billion (ppb) range.
The Science Behind:
The ICP is designed to generate plasma field through which the sample is passed, to excite each atom and produce light. Each excited atom will emit energy with the specific wavelength charistic of that element. The emitted light is passed through optical systems to disperse the emitted light. The detector measures the intensity of the light at defined characteristic wavelengths. The emitted intensity is directly proportional to the concentration and is recorded by the data system. Data system uses intra-element correction to account for different elements producing some of the same wavelengths.
Other Resources:
Wikipedia Definition
of Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy
Excellent ICP e-Textbook
AES - Atomic Emission Spectro-
scopy is the study of radiation released by an individual atom.
Plasma - Sometimes called the fourth state of matter, typically an ionized gas. Ionized means that at least one electron has been striped from the atoms.
Spectroscopy - Spectroscopy is the study of parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.
scopy is the study of radiation released by an individual atom.
Plasma - Sometimes called the fourth state of matter, typically an ionized gas. Ionized means that at least one electron has been striped from the atoms.
Spectroscopy - Spectroscopy is the study of parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.