ICP-MS with Other Atomic Spectroscopic Techniques

Since the introduction of the first commercially available atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) in the early 1960s, there has been an increasing demand for better, faster, easier-to-use, and more flexible trace element instrumentation. A conservative estimate shows that today s market for atomic spectroscopy (AS)-based instruments, such as atomic absorption (AA), inductively coupled plasma optical emission (ICP-OES), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), represents over 700 million in annual revenue. After market sales and service costs are added to this number, it is probably close to 1 billion. As a result of this growth, we have seen a rapid emergence of more sophisticated equipment and easier-to-use software. Moreover, with an increase in the number of manufacturers of both instrumentation and sampling accessories, the choice of which technique to use is often unclear. 

Practical Guide to ICP-MS A Tutorial for Beginners, Second Edition 

Lamp Flame Monochromator Detector Atomic Fluorescence 

FIGURE 20.1 Simple schematic diagrams of the principles of atomic absorption, emission, fluorescence, and mass spectrometry (courtesy of PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences). 

Even though atomic fluorescence is considered an atomic spectroscopic technique, it is not covered in this chapter. Let us take a look at the other AS techniques in greater detail. 

Lamp Flame Monochromator Detector Flame or Monochromator or Detector 

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Comparing ICP-MS with Other Atomic Spectroscopic Techniques... 

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