Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (Optima 2100)

ICP-AES, also referred to as inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), is an analytical system used for the detection of trace metals. It is a type of emission spectroscopy that uses the inductively coupled plasma to produce excited atoms and ions that emit electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths characteristic of a particular element. The intensity of this emission is indicative of the concentration of the element within the sample. The ICP-AES is composed of two parts: the ICP and the optical spectrometer. The ICP torch consists of 3 concentric quartz glass tube and a coil of the radio frequency (RF) generator which surrounds part of this torch. Argon gas is typically used to create the plasma.