Just Published: Spectrochimica Acta Part B: Atomic Spectroscopy

A new issue of this journal has just been published. To see abstracts of the papers it contains (with links through to the full papers) click here:

Spectrochimica Acta Part B: Atomic Spectroscopy
http://rss.sciencedirect.com/publication/science/5287

Selected papers from the latest issue:

Review

2.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for light elements detection in steel: State of the art   Review Article Pages 1-10 Mohamed A. Khater Highlights ► We review development of the LIBS technique for trace analysis of light elements. ► This includes recent advances in laser pulse structure and industrial LIBS systems. ► Detection of light elements by LIBS in the optical region is still difficult. ► LIBS combination with either DLIFS or DLAAS would represent a potential solution.

Regular Papers

3.

A dried urine spot test to simultaneously monitor Mo and Ti levels using solid sampling high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry   Original Research Article Pages 11-19 L. Rello, A.C. Lapeña, M. Aramendía, M.A. Belarra, M. Resano Highlights ► Deposition of urine on clinical filters facilitates home-based collection schemes. ►SS HR CS GFAAS enables direct determination of Mo and Ti in urine dried spots. ► These elements may be used as biomarkers to detect prosthesis malfunctioning. ► The way in which the sample is deposited in the filter is a key to proper quantitation. ► The use of matrix-matched urine standards for calibration is recommended.

4.

Production of metastable 23S1 helium in a laser produced plasma at low pressures   Original Research Article Pages 20-25 M. Bišćan, S. Milošević Highlights ► Production and decay of 23S1metastable He upon laser ablation were studied. ► Various targets in the regime of low helium gas pressures were used. ► CRDS was employed for lineshape measurements of the He 388.8nm transition. ► At larger fluences highest yield of metastables was obtained for aluminum target.

5.

Spectroscopic characterization of atmospheric pressure argon plasmas sustained with the Torche à Injection Axiale sur Guide d'Ondes   Original Research Article Pages 26-35 R. Rincón, J. Muñoz, M. Sáez, M.D. Calzada Highlights ► Ar discharges generated with microwave TIAGO torch were studied by OES. ► Great influence of atmosphere surrounding the flame on discharge parameters ► Electron densities ranging from 1014cm−3to 1015cm−3depending on argon flow rate ► Gas temperatures ranging from 2500K to 6000K depending on gas flow rate ► Small impact of input power on electron density and gas temperature

6.

The influence of the sample introduction system on signals of different tin compounds in inductively coupled plasma-based techniques   Original Research Article Pages 36-42 Javier Montiel, Guillermo Grindlay, Luis Gras, Margaretha T.C. de Loos-Vollebregt, Juan Mora Highlights ► Tin ICP-based signals depend on the compound chemical form. ► Signal differences are related to the compound volatility. ► Signal differences are reduced using high efficient sample introduction systems.

7.

Laser ablation methods for analysis of urinary calculi: Comparison study based on calibration pellets   Original Research Article Pages 43-49 K. Štěpánková, K. Novotný, M. Vašinová Galiová, V. Kanický, J. Kaiser, D.W. Hahn Highlights ► In this study we compare several laser-ablation based analytical techniques. ► The aim is to prove the calibration capabilities and limitations of these methods. ► Calibration pellets were prepared from human urinary calculi. ► Simultaneous LIBS–LA-ICP-OES, LA-ICP-MS and LA-LIBS were utilized.

8.

Backscattered electron images, X-ray maps and Monte Carlo simulations applied to the study of plagioclase composition in volcanic rocks   Original Research Article Pages 50-58 V. Galván Josa, D. Fracchia, G. Castellano, E. Crespo, A. Kang, R. Bonetto Highlights ► High resolution maps of anorthite content in single plagioclase crystals were obtained. ► The procedure was tested on volcanic rocks and is suitable for more evolved plagioclases. ► The ultimate resolution of X-rays and BE signal were studied by Monte Carlo simulations. ► MC simulations allowed to explain the BE contrast enhancement due to interface crossing.

Technical Note

9.

Separate K-line contributions to fluorescence enhancement in electron probe microanalysis    Pages 59-63 L. Venosta, G. Castellano Highlights ► The fluorescence enhancement correction factor in EPMA is studied. ► Reed's correction formulae were modified to account for Kβ and Kα lines separately. ► The differences evidenced encourage the implementation of completeFcorrections. ► Trace elemental concentrations may demand complete assessment of fluorescence factor.

Analytical Note

10.

Application of multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares for the determination of boron isotope ratios by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry    Pages 64-68 Ehsan Zolfonoun, Seyed Javad Ahmadi Highlights ► A new method for the determination of boron isotope ratios by ICP-OES is proposed. ► It is based on the isotopic shift of10B and11B in the emission line of 208.957nm. ► MCR-ALS was used for the resolution of the atomic emission spectra of boron isotopes. ► The proposed method presents good statistical parameters.