Abstract

Limits of detection have been calculated for the air-acetylene and nitrous oxide-acetylene flames used in atomic absorption spectrometry using the theoretical treatment developed by Winefordner. Values for the parameters were chosen for these calculations to give the lowest possible limits of detection. These calculated values have been compared with experimentally determined limits of detection. Values of the atom fraction, β, are also estimated by means of this comparison. The values for the air-acetylene flame are in fair agreement; however, the comparison of the nitrous oxide flame showed anomalous behavior. An attempt to explain this is made, as well as a general discussion of the results.

Nitrous Oxide Supported Flames for Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

L. R. P. Butler and Anne Fulton
Appl. Opt. 7(10) 2131-2137 (1968)

Atomic Emission Characteristics of a Premixed Acetylene–Nitrous Oxide, Total Consumption Flame

Victor G. Mossotti and Marjorie Duggan
Appl. Opt. 7(7) 1325-1330 (1968)

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy with High Temperature Flames

J. B. Willis
Appl. Opt. 7(7) 1295-1304 (1968)

Acetylene measurement in flames by chirp-based quantum cascade laser spectrometry

Zachary R. Quine and Kevin L. McNesby
Appl. Opt. 48(16) 3075-3083 (2009)

The Application of Separated Flames in Analytical Flame Spectroscopy

G. F. Kirkbright and T. S. West
Appl. Opt. 7(7) 1305-1311 (1968)