A century of spectral interferences in atomic emission spectroscopy — Can we master them with modern apparatus and approaches?

摘要: This paper discusses two main aspects of spectral interferences: (1) the handling vast amounts data needed for adequately coping with lack selectivity atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), and (2) concept use as a major analytical performance characteristic in AES. The discussion centres about problem correctly determining magnitude interfering signals windows analysis lines, thus background correction widest sense. approaches are classified into groups depending on whether sample concomitants or gaseous atmosphere source contribute unstructured structured background. latter situation is emphasized subsequent discussion. In this light, reviews compilations published since 1884 Hartley laid foundations quantitative These featured “hardware only” (plates, charts, chart recordings, plots, tables, atlases), “software/hardware conversion” (tape disk computer retrieval visualization) (3) “software” only processing combination samples). It concluded that up to present most must be categorized (2), which means either operator looks decides decides. Only few instances capabilities fully exploited it also makes decisions (“artificial intelligence”). future should will see balance tip direction. second part deals context considers effects practical resolving power (“spectral resolution”) case line overlap. A review early recent work covers such topics physical widths, required resolution, trade-off between resolution radiant flux at detector, extent modern spectrometers fulfil conditions exploiting benefits high ICP-AES. discussed terms limits detection, selectivity, determination. shown that, overlap, conventional determination detection yields irrealistic values, which, addition, entirely veil actual spectroscopy. vital profits related can quantitatively expressed limit determination, defined paper. gains much more from an increase than reduction limits. full recognition implication conclusion may still substantially stimulate further improvement AES by exploitation spectroscopy, optimization operating source, selective volatilization, where appropriate.