The use of laser-induced breakdown spectrometry (LIBS) to spectrometrically detect chlorine and fluorine in air directly is investigated. A laser-generated spark is used to atomize chlorine- and fluorine-bearing molecules. The atoms are then electronically excited by the high temperatures of the spark. Emission from the neutral atoms is spectrally and temporally resolved to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio. Optimization of the time window and laser power for minimum detection limits is discussed. The use of LIBS to determine the ratios of the numbers of different types of atoms on a molecule is considered. Minimum detectable concentrations of chlorine and fluorine in air are 8 and 38 ppM (w/w), respectively. Minimum detectable masses of chlorine and fluorine are, respectively, 80 ng and 2000 ng in air and 3 ng for both atoms in He. The precision for replicate sample analysis is 8% RSD. 11 references, 3 figures, 4 tables.

Detection of chlorine and fluorine in air by laser-induced breakdown spectrometry

Effects of organic solvents in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

Interfacing of fused silica gas chromatographic capillary columns to a microwave-excited atmospheric pressure helium plasma (MED) is investigated. The system for glass and fused silica capillary operation incorporates an interface where excess solvent can be vented by a chemically deactivated fluidic-logic gas switching system. A TM/sub 010/ resonant cavity allows axial viewing of plasma emission. A quartz refractor plate background corrector improves selectivity ratios for elements whose emission occurs in the high-carbon (cyanogen) background region. Background emission characteristics of the helium plasma under various conditions are established from 200 to 500 nm. Calibration curves, selectivity ratios, and detection limits are established for the elements vanadium, niobium, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, manganese, iron, ruthenium, osmium, cobalt, nickel, mercury, boron, aluminum, carbon, silicon, germanium, tin, lead, phosphorus, arsenic, sulfur, selenium, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, hydrogen, and deuterium.

Microwave-excited atmospheric pressure helium plasma emission detection characteristics in fused silica capillary gas chromatography

Analysis of flavor and fragrance compounds using supercritical fluid extraction coupled with gas chromatography.

Chromatography coupled with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. A review

: The performance of the inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) as an element selective gas chromatographic (GC) detector is investigated. Special emphasis is placed on evaluating the ability of the ICP to perform simultaneous multi-element analyses on each component of a mixture. In general, ICP detection limits, linear dynamic ranges and selectivities are shown to compare favorably with those which have been observed for the flame photometric detectors (FPD) and microwave-excited plasma detectors (MEPD). (Author)

Elemental Analysis of Gas Chromatographic Effluents with an Inductively Coupled Plasma

The application of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) to the elemental analysis of organic compounds is evaluated successfully for seven nonmetallic elements. A comparison of this method with previously reported microwave techniques shows that, while both methods are sensitive (detection limits in the low nanogram region), ICP-OES has fewer complications and appears to be less prone to interferences than the analogous microwave techniques. The results of these studies suggest that ICP-OES should be applicable to the simultaneous multielement analysis of the gaseous effluents from a gas chromatograph.

Evaluation of Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry as a Method for the Elemental Analysis of Organic Compounds

: The ability of the inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) gas chromatographic (GC) detector to determine empirical formulas is evaluated. Elemental compositions and empirical formulas of hydrocarbons and halogens are determined as the compounds are eluted from a chromatograph. The observed accuracy and precision are found to be of sufficient quality to indicate that the technique holds promise for the determination of empirical formulas. (Author)

Empirical Formula Determination with an Inductively Coupled Plasma Gas Chromatographic Detector.

Studies are presented describing an improved application of the NaBH4 reduction of soluble arsenite to form arsine as a preconcentration approach for ultra-trace level arsenic determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Specialized analyte introduction techniques are described for elimination of reaction by-products that would normally extinguish a medium power plasma discharge. An approach is presented to minimize the need for background correction and facilitate a superior arsenic detection limit (≤0.03 ng/ml) in a relatively inexpensive 1.2 kW inductively coupled plasma system.

Hydride Preconcentration for Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry

The relative ease of operation, power handling capabilities, and overall performance of an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer depends upon numerous factors, not the least important of which is the design of the torch. A variety of such designs has appeared in the literature. Most workers have employed three concentric fused silica and/or Pyrex tubes, referred to as an inner sample gas tube, a "flaired mouth" plasma gas tube, and an outer coolant tube. These tubes are either fused into one- or two-piece units through glass blowing techniques or mounted in some type of dismantleable base assembly.

D. L. Windsor

Papers

Elemental Analysis of Gas Chromatographic Effluents with an Inductively Coupled Plasma

Evaluation of Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry as a Method for the Elemental Analysis of Organic Compounds

Empirical Formula Determination with an Inductively Coupled Plasma Gas Chromatographic Detector.

Hydride Preconcentration for Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry

A High Power Inductively Coupled Plasma Torch and Impedance Matching Network