Efficient Continuous A.C. Arc

Abstract

While d.c. arc excitation has been conventional for many types of analysis, the erratic volatilization characteristics have always demanded rigidly standardized methods and an unnecessarily high amount of preliminary development. A high amperage a c. arc ( Sustaining Arc) has been developed for maximum output at high electrical efficiency. The unit exhibits the greatest improvement for heavy or refractory elements. In general, background is reduced up to 20%, sensitivity improved by 10 to 30%, and reproducibility enhanced by 30 to 100% over a wide range of materials encountered in a commercial laboratory.