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, ionises, 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