Clear Analysis by Means of Highest Temperatures
Methods involving inductively coupled plasma (ICP) are used in mass spectrometers to quantitatively determine multiple elements in various liquid and organic matrices. ICP permits simultaneous determination of almost all elements of the periodic system and their isotopes. The main advantage of this technology is the low limit of detection and the small sample amount required.
Inductively coupled plasma with coil
Usually argon is used as the reaction gas with these plasmas. An ICP argon plasma can reach temperatures of up to 8,000 degrees Kelvin. After the spark of a Tesla coil has ionized the gas, the resulting high frequency field immediately accelerates the free electrons. These transmit energy to the entire volume of gas through collision with the atoms.