Laser ablation for sample introduction in inductively coupled plasma spectrometry.

The aim of this research was to investigate laser ablation as a means of sample introduction for the Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP). This involved the configuration of an ICP spectrometer, a laser and a novel laser ablation chamber. The latter offered the facility of electrothermally heating samples before or during laser ablation.Several operating conditions associated with the ablation process were investigated and optimised. These optimisation studies utilised a variety of metallurgical materials. It was found that the Q-Switched mode of laser operation provided greater sensitivity than long pulsed operation. This research reports the first laser ablation ICP studies on paints and polymers. Ablation of paints was found to provide good precision. This was attributed to a combination of homogeneity and viscosity effect. Operating conditions associated with the ablation process were again examined and found to be independent of sample type. Calibration studies were performed using laser ablation of synthetic aqueous standards. This research includes the first reports of such an approach to calibration. The wide dynamic range associated with conventional ICP was also evident for laser ablation. Calibration followed by analysis of samples providedsemi-quantitative data for paints and polymers. Limits of detection were inferior to solutions nebulisation ICP.