Spectrochemical analysis of liquids using the laser spark
A laser-generated spark was used to analyze liquids spectroscopically for elemental constituents. The spark was produced directly in liquids by a focused laser pulse of 15 ns duration and an energy of about 45 mJ/pulse. The size, temperature, and electron density of the spark are reported. Emissions from once-ionized and neutral atoms and simple molecules were observed. Limits of detection for Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, B, and Al in aqueous solutions were established with the use of a 10 Hz repetitive single spark (RSS). Most of these elements were only detectable at levels above 1 ..mu..g/mL, although the detection limit for Li was 0.006 ..mu..g/mL. The relative standard deviation for replicate sample analysis was 4-8%. The detectability of some species was enhanced with the use of a 10 Hz repetitive spark pair (RSP): a pair of sparks separated in time by about 18 ..mu..s. The detection limits for B/H/sub 2/O with the RSP and the RSS were 80 and 1200 ..mu..g/mL, respectively. Species were also detected in organic solvents, and in flowing samples. The laser spark method of liquid analysis would be useful in situations requiring noninvasive monitoring of species at high or moderate concentrations.
- Research Organization:
- University of California, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Chemistry Division, P.O. Box 1663 Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545
- OSTI ID:
- 6310059
- Journal Information:
- Appl. Spectrosc.; (United States), Vol. 38:5
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Apparatus and method for the spectrochemical analysis of liquids using the laser spark
Apparatus and method for the spectrochemical analysis of liquids using the laser spark
Related Subjects
ORGANIC
PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
ALUMINIUM
LASER SPECTROSCOPY
BERYLLIUM
BORON
CALCIUM
CESIUM
LITHIUM
MAGNESIUM
POTASSIUM
RUBIDIUM
SODIUM
AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
EMISSION SPECTROSCOPY
FOCUSING
LASER RADIATION
ALKALI METALS
ALKALINE EARTH METALS
DISPERSIONS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELEMENTS
METALS
MIXTURES
RADIATIONS
SEMIMETALS
SOLUTIONS
SPECTROSCOPY
400104* - Spectral Procedures- (-1987)