Excitation temperature and electron number density distributions experienced by analyte species in an inductively coupled argon plasma

Abstract

Spatially resolved, radial excitation temperatures and radial electron number density distributions experienced by analyte species in the observation zone of 15 to 25 mm above the load coil of a toroidally shaped, inductively coupled argon plasma (ICP) are presented and related to the analytical performance of these plasmas. A comparison of radial temperatures measured with support gas (Ar I) lines and with a typical analyte thermometric species (Fe I) at 15 mm above the load coil is given. Radial (Fe I) excitation temperatures obtained at three observation heights (15, 20, and 25 mm) are compared for aerosol carrier gas flows of 1.0 l/min and 1.3 l/min. The addition of a large amount of an easily ionized element (6900 ..mu..g Na/ml) did not significantly change Fe I excitation temperature distributions at the respective aerosol carrier gas flows and observation heights. A comparison of radial electron number density distributions measured by the Saha-Eggert ionization and Stark broadening methods is given for an observation height of 15 mm above the load coil. The differences between the electron number density values obtained by these methods is discussed. The effect of addition of 6900 ..mu..g Na/ml on Saha-Eggert electron density distributions at these observation heights is also discussed. The computer programs employed in this investigation and discussions of the computational procedures incorporated in these programs are given.