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The ICP-MS Plasma

This photo shows the quartz torch surrounded by the copper induction coil. The copper coil is made from copper tubing and is kept cool by circulating water. RF energy is supplied to the coil which inductively heats the argon gas to approximately 10,000^oC. At this temperature the gas turns into a plasma of positively charged atoms and electrons. The plasma is kept off the sides of the quartz torch by a separate flow of argon supplied tangentially to the inside of the torch. The sample solution after being sprayed by the nebulizer and entrained in argon as a fine mist, passes through the center channel of the torch and into the plasma, forming positive ions of elements in the sample.

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Formerly West Coast Analytical Service (WCAS) and Bodycote Testing Group