SLIDING SPARK SPECTROSCOPY - A NEW EXCITATION SOURCE FOR GENERATING ATOMIC-EMISSION SPECTRA FOR ANALYSIS

In this paper a newly developed technique, the so-called ''Sliding Spa rk Spectrometry'' is described. The method, with a comparatively simpl e system, allows direct in-situ analysis of handy, compact non-conduct ive material without prior sample preparation. A new excitation source for optical emission spectroscopy has been developed. The basic princ iple of the method is the thermal vaporization, ionization and excitat ion of a small amount of surface substrate using a train of high-curre nt sliding sparks. The material components in the spark plasma are act ivated to emit radiation. From the atomic spectrum, informations about the composition and the element concentration in the sample can be ob tained. With the use of the sliding spark spectrometer, a rapid analys is, especially of chlorine containing waste plastics and their inorgan ic additives can be carried out.