Lowering of detection limits in flame photometry by means of modulation of the aerosol supply

Abstract

An equipment with two separate nebulizers, which supply aerosol alternately with a definite and constant frequency into a flame, is described. The solution to be analyzed is sprayed by the one of the nebulizers, and the solvent is sprayed by the other. The photocurrent is amplified by an a.c. amplifier tuned to the frequency of the aerosol supply. After rectification it is measured with a d.c. meter. This way, the registered photocurrent is due only to the emission of the analyzed solution. The detection limits for some elements which were investigated with this technique are about twenty times lower than those obtained in a common manner with a steady supply under the same conditions. © 1970.