At PTL we have applied this technique to an almost limitless variety of materials. The list below is by no means complete.

One of the most recently developed techniques for the determination of elements in solution is the plasma. two types are available and vary only in their power source; the ICP (inductively coupled plasma) and the DCP (direct current plasma). Our choice was the DCP because of its ease and simplicity of operation.

Plasmas exhibit a minimum of interferences and matrix effects, the Beckman DC plasma having the added advantage of an Eschelle grating to increase resolution between wavelengths.

Trace metals is a very far ranging term. Generally we think of traces in terms of unwanted impurities. However, there are cases where elements are intentionally added in amounts as low as a few parts per million to impart certain properties to a material.

Plasma is a solution technique which can be applied to virtually all elements of the periodic table with the exception of the gases and for the refractory elements it is unexcelled.