Spectro ICP Resolves Plasma Debate

Experts have debated the relative merits of radial and axial plasma
configurations for years. Spectro Analytical (Germany) claim that
their ARCOS ICP-OES system is the first commercial instrument that
can use a radial plasma configuration, known to cope better with
matrix interferences, without compromising the detection limits
needed for trace level measurements such as water analysis.
The ARCOS (Advanced Rowland Circle Optical System) spectrometer employs a unique optical system that achieves the signal-to-background and resolution performance needed to take full advantage of the radial plasma’s better tolerance of high salt content (up to 30% dissolved solids) or organics in the sample and its ability to handle slurries or suspensions. The patented design of the optical system achieves, with very few reflections, unequalled 8.5 picometer resolution in the vital UV region and the high energy throughput to exploit it. Spectro’s patented UV-PLUS system requires no purge gas supply or vacuum pumps for UV performance, as the sealed optical path is permanently filed with Argon. An array of 32 linear CCD detectors allows a full spectrum from 130 to 770nm to be collected and stored in under 2 seconds using significantly less memory than conventional systems. Unlike many CCD based detection systems, no sub-ambient cooling is required.
Although the ARCOS in this configuration out-performs other radial plasma systems and will handle most routine applications that require high sensitivity, an axial system can also be supplied for those requiring the ultimate detection limits from their ICP-OES.