SURVEY OF SAMPLE SUPPORT FILMS AND THEIR EFFECT ON LIGHT-ELEMENT RADIATION

A major problem with setting up a method for the analysis of liquid or loose powder samples is the correct choice of a suitable sample suppo rt film. The correct choice could lead to an analytical system whereby the sensitivities and limits of detection of samples measured are com parable to those found for solid samples. An incorrect choice could, h owever, lead to poor analytical data, long measuring times to overcome poor sensitivity or even, in extreme cases, instrument damage. In thi s paper, eight commercially available sample support films are examine d for a number of factors to determine their suitability for use. Emph asis is put on their relative light element (lambda > 0.27 nm) perform ance, as previous workers(1-5) have found that it is this area of the spectrum that suffers from attenuation when a film is used to support a sample.