The Theta-pinch Plasma gun: sampling strategies for direct solid sampling AES

Abstract

A pulsed plasma can be generated via discharge of a high-voltage capacitor bank through a specially-designed coil surrounding a thin conductive metallic film. In this manner, a high-temperature plasma can be generated (without electrodes) at atmospheric pressure which may be useful for the direct atomization of solid samples for analysis via ICP-AES. The effect of electrical discharge properties (such as discharge frequency and magnetic field strength) as well as thin film properties and fill gas identity have been investigated and will be evaluated relative to plasma initiation and plasma heating. Using conditions with which these processes are optimized, the utility of the device as a direct solid sampling source for AES wll be evaluated and presented. The results of spatially and temporally resolved emission studies will be presented and used to establish a model describing plasma formation, heating, and solid sample atomization mechanisms.

2001 FACSS Conference; Detroit MI, U.S.A.