This paper reviews the latest advances in axially viewed simultaneous ICP-OES for elemental analysis, including improvements in detector design, software, and sample introduction systems.
This document discusses the evolution of Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) from radial viewing to axially viewed systems. It highlights how modern Agilent Vista systems overcome historical limitations regarding injector tube blockage and linear dynamic range. The text details the transition from photomultiplier tubes and segmented array CCDs to advanced VistaChip and Vista-MPX detectors that offer simultaneous detection with wide dynamic ranges.
| VistaChip CCD spectral coverage | 96% of the analytical spectrum |
|---|---|
| Vista-MPX pixel count | over 1.1 million pixels |
| Axial viewing sensitivity improvement | 4-10x improvement |
| CCI argon gas flow requirement | 2.5 L/min |
Axially viewed systems provide improved signal to noise ratio and better detection limits by observing a longer path length in the analyte-rich central channel.
The VistaChip uses over 70,000 pixels positioned to exactly match the free spectral range, providing 96% coverage compared to the 5.7% coverage of segmented array designs.
The CCI displaces the cooler tail flame of the plasma away from the optical path, resulting in greater linear dynamic range and a significant reduction in atomization and recombination interferences.