Abstract
Abstract Using a nickel base, alloy as a sample and point-to-plane electrode geometry, the atmospheric composition of the analytical gap was varied by introducing different mixtures of oxygen, nitrogen and argon and by using graphite and copper counter-electrodes. Variations in the oxygen content of the analytical gap produced large changes in (1) the physical appearance of the spark burns, (2) the general spectral intensity, (3) the intensity ratio of a Ni III to a Ni I line, (4) the intensity ratio of analytical line pairs and (5) the time necessary for the analytical intensity ratios to reach equilibrium. The variations in the above parameters show interesting and important correlations. The best analytical results were obtained with agraphite counter-electrode and an atmosphere without oxygen, although highly oxidizing conditions were satisfactory for some elements. Analytical curves were not obtained for intermediate conditions because the intensity ratios were markedly time dependent.
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