Preliminary Studies of Analytical Applications of a Novel Magnetron Glow Discharge Plasma

Abstract

The application of a magnetron glow discharge plasma, previously described, to the analysis of six zinc-base NIST Standard Reference Materials for a minor element, aluminum, and three trace elements, magnesium, nickel, and manganese, is described. The wide range of argon pressures, from 0.0007 to more than 2.5 Torr, over which the plasma can be operated, allows selection of optimum pressure for determination of each element. Line-to-background ratios are examined as functions of pressure for each element determined at discharge currents ranging from 100 to 400 mA. Sensitivities of net line intensities to discharge current show wide variations, depending on the element and line studied. Analytical curves for aluminum, magnesium, manganese, and nickel are shown. Detection limits for manganese and nickel are 0.0060% and 0.00055%, respectively.