Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES Analysis) Testing Technique
ICP-OES is a trace-level, elemental analysis technique that uses the emission spectra of a sample to identify, and quantify the elements present.
Samples are introduced into the plasma in a process that desolvates, ionizes, and excites them. The constituent elements can be identified by their characteristic emission lines, and quantified by the intensity of the same lines.
- High sample throughput enabling the efficient analysis of large batches
- Simultaneous determination of multiple elements in each sample
- Complementary analysis to techniques like XRF
- Large dynamic linear range
- Low chemical and matrix interference effects.
Typical applications
- Trace analysis of environmental soil and water samples
- Assessment of metal ores for mass balances and process control
- Trace metal analysis of any material that can be digested into an aqueous matrix
- Boron and Lithia in glasses
- Forensic analysis
- Trace analysis of food and drink samples such as; metals in wine; and elements bound to proteins
- Metal release testing of tableware
Typical industries using ICP-OES
- Environmental testing
- Food and drinks
- Materials
- Minerals
- Glass, ceramics and refractories
- Healthcare
ICP-OES - At a Glance
- Information: Trace analysis of samples by emission at specific wavelengths
- Sample Size: Limited only by the requirement to digest the samples
- Detection Limits: ppm (mg/kg) level
- Elements Detected: B-U
- Data Output: Elemental concentrations, scans across individual peaks
Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) analysis is a powerful technique for detecting and quantifying trace elements in various samples with high precision and accuracy. Utilizing a plasma source that reaches temperatures of up to 10,000°K, ICP excites atoms and ions, causing them to emit light at characteristic wavelengths. By measuring this emitted light using a spectrometer, the concentrations of elements, even at trace levels, can be accurately determined. ICP analysis is widely employed in environmental monitoring, the pharmaceutical industry, metallurgy and food safety due to its ability to analyse multiple elements simultaneously with low detection limits and excellent reproducibility.