Electrothermal direct injection torch for inductively coupled plasma

摘要

An inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy apparatus is provided in which an inductively coupled plasma torch and an analyte sample atomizer are integrally formed as a single unit. The atomizer portion of the apparatus includes two electrodes and a plasma nozzle through which a heating element is placed. Test samples may be placed into a sample vessel which is positioned within the heating element. The torch portion includes a glass containment wall surrounding at least a portion of the plasma nozzle to define a plasma chamber located immediately adjacent to the sample vessel. The glass containment wall contains a radio frequency (RF) coil wrapped about its periphery which is inductively coupled to a supply of gas. A variable rate cooling manifold is also provided about the periphery of the containment wall. The integral design effectively reduces the buildup of memory condensate within the apparatus, thereby decreasing contamination and improving the sensitivity of the results obtained.