Atomic emission spectrometry

With ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry) it is possible to analyse the concentrations of trace elements in the range of mg/L to µg/L in solutions.

The sample solution is introduced into an inductively coupled argon plasma using a pneumatic atomiser system, where it is atomised at a temperature of 5000-7000 K, ionised and thus stimulated to emit light. Each element emits light at characteristic wavelengths (“flame colouring”) via a polychromator. The light intensity is proportional to the element concentration in the solution, which is calibrated beforehand using a calibration curve.

The iCap 7200 Duo from Thermo Fisher Scientific used in the CEZA allows both axial and radial observation of the plasma torch, which have different detection limits and intensities, and is capable of detecting many elements simultaneously.