Atomic-emission spectrometry with an induction-coupled high-frequency plasma source Comparison with the inert-gas shielded premixed nitrous oxide-acetylene flame for multi-element analysis.

The performance for trace analysis in solution by atomic-emission spectrometry from a 36-MHz induction-coupled radiofrequency plasma atom-cell is predicted from a simple model and compared with the corresponding characteristics of an inert-gas shielded nitrous oxide-acetylene flame. A longer linear calibration range is predicted for the plasma source owing to the greater freedom from self-absorption under optimum operating conditions, and the long residence time of analyte species confers freedom from solute vaporization interferences. The predictions are verified experimentally and the advantages of the use of the plasma source are demonstrated in the analysis of aluminium alloys for copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, titanium and zinc.