Radiofrequency glow-discharge devices for direct solid analysis.
The enormous potential of radiofrequency glow discharges (rf-GD) as photon, atom, or ion sources, coupled to spectrometric techniques, for rapid direct analysis of almost any conductor, semiconductor, or insulating material with good in-depth resolution has been demonstrated world-wide. This outstanding performance has prompted a great effort to develop and characterise rf-GD for direct materials analysis in recent years. The state of the art of rf-GD coupled to atomic absorption spectrometry, optical emission spectrometry, and mass spectrometry for direct solid analysis is reviewed here. A description of the principles of operation of the rf-GD and attempts to model these discharges are also given. Rf-GD instrumentation, both developed at research laboratories and commercially available, is described. Several practical examples are given demonstrating the capabilities of these techniques for bulk and depth-profile analysis. Finally, the research gaps to be filled for full implementation of rf-GD spectrometric techniques in industry and research centres alike for materials science studies and technical development are discussed.
Pisonero
Jorge
J
Department of Physics, University of Oviedo, 33007 Oviedo, Spain.
Costa
José M
JM
Pereiro
Rosario
R
Bordel
Nerea
N
Sanz-Medel
Alfredo
A