title: Laser-enhanced ionization with avalanche amplification: detection of cesium at fg/mL levels.
abstract: The avalanche amplification of the laser-enhanced ionization signal of Cs atoms in a flame has been studied. Ionization of Cs atoms, enhanced by two-step excitation, was detected in hydrogen and propane flames. By employing the effect of avalanche amplification of electrons, high signal-to-noise ratio (approximately 10(4)) was obtained for a 100 ppt Cs solution. The extrapolated limit of detection was 30 fg/mL (ppq).
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Temirov
authors.forename: O I
authors.initials: OI
authors.lastname: Matveev
authors.forename: B W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Winefordner
mesh_terms: D002586:Cesium / Q000032:analysis*; D005410:Flame Ionization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D007834:Lasers; D008832:Microchemistry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D002586:Cesium