Glow discharge: considerations as a versatile analytical source. Plenary lecture

Abstract

This paper reviews the advantages and limitations of the glow discharge as an analytical source for atomic spectroscopy. Salient features of the glow discharge are linked to specific analytical techniques that benefit from these characteristics. The direct analysis of samples in the solid state is of particular importance for ultratrace elemental methods, for which dissolution of the sample can introduce unacceptable impurities.