Optical emission spectrographic techniques

Table II. Approximate Visual Lower Limits of Determination for the Elements Analyzed by the Optical Emission Spectrographic Technique ...

Highly sensitive iastmmental techniques, such as x-ray fluorescence, atomic absorption spectrometry, and iaductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, have wide appHcation for the analysis of silver ia a multitude of materials. In order to minimize the effects of various matrices ia which silver may exist, samples are treated with perchloric or nitric acid. Direct-aspiration atomic absorption (25) and iaductively coupled plasma (26) have silver detection limits of 10 and 7 l-lg/L, respectively. The use of a graphic furnace ia an atomic absorption spectrograph lowers the silver detection limit to 0.2 l-ig/L. 

Studies of atmospheric properties using IR spectroscopy techniques have been reported in the literature for nearly 100 years. This paper presents a brief historical review of the development of this area of science and discusses the common features of spectrographic instruments. Two state of the art instruments on opposite ends of the measurement spectrum are described. The first is a fast response iri situ sensor for the measurement of the exchange of CO2 between the atmosphere and the earth s surface. The second is a rocketborne field-widened spectrometer for upper atmosphere composition studies. The thesis is presented that most improvements in current measurement systems are due to painstakingly small performance enhancements of well understood system components. The source, optical and thermal control components that allow these sensors to expand the state of the art are detailed. Examples of their application to remote canopy photosynthesis measurement and upper atmosphere emission studies are presented. 

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