Elemental sensitivity and limits of detection

Element sensitivity depends on the emission intensity at the measured wavelength. Each element has a number of possible wavelengths for determination and the best must be chosen also taking into account selectivity. Different emission lines have different sensitivities in diflfer-ent plasmas. Sensitivity, defined by the slope of the response curve, is less often used in C-AED than detection limit , expressed as absolute values of element mass (in a resolved peak) or in mass flow rate units. Detection limits for different elements vary by two or three orders of magnitude this affects inter-element selectivity if spectral overlap is present. 

Linear dynamic response ranges for capillary (IC-AED extend from the upper linear analyte-carr3ring column capacity, at ca.l00 ng, down to the detection limit for the element (1-100 pg). Chemical, dopant gas and plasma-wall interaction effects modify the limits. 

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