Page 127 - An Introduction to Analytical Atomic Spectrometry - L. Ebdon
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4.5.2 Direct Current Plasmas
A DC arc plasma can be generated between two electrodes and a portion of the discharge can be
moved out of the primary arc column using gas flows to bend the arc. One commercial variant of this
employs three electrodes (two anodes and a cathode) to form an inverted 'Y' discharge (Fig. 4.21).
This plasma accepts liquid samples in aqueous or organic solvents. It is unlikely that the sample
actually penetrates the highest temperature part of the discharge (7000-9000 K). In any case, the high
plasma background does not permit observation in this region, which is made instead in
Figure 4.21
Schematic diagram of the three-electrode direct current plasma.
