Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry with a Graphite Rod Atomizer and Thermostated Electrodeless Discharge Lamps

Atomic fluorescence investigations with a graphite rod atomizer and thermostated multiple element electrodeless discharge lamps (EDL's) are reported for Ag, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, Sn, Tl, and Zn. Detection limits in the range 10⁻¹⁰ to 10⁻¹⁴ g have been obtained for these elements using a sample volume of 0.5 µl. The detection limits are better than, or close to, the lowest reported values obtained by other workers using atomic spectrometric methods. No spectral or chemical interferences have been observed when using multiple element EDL's or standard multielement solutions.

The atomic fluorescence signal obtained using argon and argon-hydrogen atmospheres has been studied as a function of the gas flow rates and as a function of height above the graphite rod atomizer. Except for Hg, better fluorescence signals are obtained with argon-hydrogen.