ICP-OES Spectrometer Overview

Overview

This lecture explains how ICP-OES spectrometers, such as the SPECTRO ARCOS, analyze the elemental composition of substances with high precision.

Used to analyze and determine the elemental composition of sample solutions.
Converts a sample solution into light and then quantifies the elements present using the light's properties.

The sample solution is introduced into a peristaltic pump.
The sample passes into a nebulizer, transforming it into an aerosol.
In the spray chamber, larger droplets are removed, leaving fine droplets for analysis.
The fine aerosol enters an extremely hot plasma, causing atoms and ions to emit light at characteristic wavelengths.
Optical components capture and disperse this emitted light into individual spectral lines.

The intensity of emitted light at specific wavelengths correlates with the concentration of each element.
A sealed, high-resolution optical system records the dispersed light on a detector array.
Computer software translates recorded wavelengths and their intensities into precise elemental concentrations.

ICP-OES spectrometers provide highly accurate and reliable elemental analysis.
Advanced models like the SPECTRO ARCOS are ideal for high-throughput laboratory settings due to their reliability and accuracy.

ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry) — a technique for detecting and measuring elements using light emitted from a plasma.
Plasma — an extremely hot, ionized gas used to excite atoms so they emit light.
Nebulizer — a device that converts liquid samples into an aerosol for introduction to the plasma.
Spectral Line — a specific wavelength of light emitted by an element’s atoms or ions.
Detector Array — an electronic device that records the light emitted at different wavelengths.

Review the working steps of ICP-OES for better understanding.
Familiarize yourself with key terms and process descriptions for future reference.