Inductively coupled argon plasma (ICP) in the emission spectroscopy

For simultaneous multi-element ultratrace analysis of solutions the inductively coupled high frequency plasma (ICP) has a considerably greater detection power and precision as other spectrochemical methods. There are ground materials of completely different properties can be analysed under the same experimental conditions. The analytical curve is generally linear within 4-6 concentration order, therefore the same element can be equally analysed both as main component and as trace element with the same straight calibration line. In the lecture the equipments of microwave plasmas and ICPs will be discussed as well as the principle and formation of radiation sources, the structure of the plasma (of toroid form), the different injection methods of (liquid and solid) aerosoles into the plasma and also the possibilities of the elimination of the matrix effect in the case of ICP. Solid samples can be directly analysed by ICP, but its application is very promising in the field of analysis of biological and geological materials and also practically on the whole field of analytical chemical material testing