A simple radiofrequency helium discharge plasma (RFP) for spectroscopic purposes

In this work a radiofrequency powered helium discharge plasma (RFP) for opt ical or mass spectrometry purposes was developed and investigated. Research focussed on the spectroscopic properties of the RFP, and its suitability a s an alternative excitation source for plasma spectroscopy was proved. Halo genated organic compounds were injected into the gas flow to detect fluorin e, chlorine, bromine and iodine at their most intense spectral lines resolv ed from interferences. With this plasma, the detection of Cl down to 125 ng without background correction is possible. Injection of air samples causes few interferences and shows the robustness of the radiofrequency plasma ag ainst large sample volumes of up to 500 mu L. A Cl selectivity against N-2, O-2 (both more than 5000:1) and C (250:1) is achieved without background c orrection. A fluorine quantification is possible for 0.25 mu g only. I and Br detection also can be achieved down to 0.25 mu g without any background correction.