ICP-OES
Definition
Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry: the plasma excites atoms which emit element-specific wavelengths of light on returning to ground state; suited to major and minor element quantification at parts-per-million levels without saturation effects.
- Plasma temperature
- 6000 to 10000 K (argon)
- Detection level
- Parts per billion (ppb) to parts per million (ppm)
- Key advantage
- Multi-element analysis in one run without saturation
Common questions
What does ICP-OES stand for and how does it work?+
ICP-OES stands for Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry. An argon plasma heats to 6000-10000 K and excites atoms in a sample. These excited atoms emit light at wavelengths unique to each element, which the spectrometer detects to identify and measure what's present.
Why is ICP-OES useful for forensic analysis?+
ICP-OES can detect multiple elements in a single run at parts-per-billion sensitivity without saturation effects, making it ideal for analyzing trace metals and inorganic residues in forensic evidence. It works well for both major and minor element quantification.
What kinds of samples can ICP-OES analyze?+
ICP-OES handles any sample that can be converted to a liquid or aerosol form. Forensic labs use it for inorganic poisons, gunshot residue, soil composition, and other trace metal analysis in bodily fluids, tissues, and environmental samples.
Related terms
- ICP-MS
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- AAS
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- CRM
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- GFAAS
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- Ion Chromatography
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- LA-ICP-MS
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- Rare Earth Elements (REE)
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- Spectral Interference
- In ICP-MS, an overlap between the mass of the target analyte and that of a polyatomic or isobaric ion from another element...
Explained in these topics
- ICP-MS and ICP-OES: Trace-Element FingerprintingInductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry: the plasma excites atoms which emit element-specific wavelengths of light on returning to ground stat...
- Inorganic Poison Analysis: AAS, ICP-OES, ICP-MS and Ion ChromatographyInductively coupled plasma optical emission. An argon plasma at 6000 to 10000 K excites atoms which emit characteristic wavelengths, giving a multi-element pan...