Use of a coil atomizer in metastable transfer emission spectroscopy

Metastable transfer emission spectroscopy associated with a compact tungsten coil atomizer was carried out for cadmium detection. A pulse atomization induced by a capacitor discharge to a coil-producing condensed vapor which was transported and mixed with active nitrogen generated by microwave discharge. High sensitivity of emission for the short time duration of approximately 60 ms was observed in this system. Elemental cadmium in 5 μl nitric acid solution was deposited on a coil with a detection limit of less than 5 pg at 326.1 nm. The linearity of the calibration curve for cadmium extended from 5 to 200 pg, beyond which the intensity of the emission signal was saturated. The system was insensitive to interference by coexisting elements; the emission of cadmium was unaffected up to a factor of more than 10, particularly 200 for lead.