Patent ID: 6184982
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: H05H

Abstract:
An atomic absorption and atomic fluorescence sample analysis system, comprising:(a) sample holder means for carrying said sample to be analyzed, said sample holder means being in the form of a miniaturized wafer, wherein said wafer contains a miniature in-torch wafer vaporization sample introduction system comprising; (i) sample holder means for carrying said sample to be analyzed, (ii) a modified Fassel-type torch having a plasma fed by inert gas through outer and intermediate feed channels in an enlarged gas tube, an inner axial tube having one end open adjacent said plasma and an opposite end open for receiving said sample holder means for feeding the sample to the plasma, said inner axial tube tapering to a reduced diameter adjacent said one end to form a well defined channel for feeding said sample holder means in said inner axial tube a predetermined distance below said plasma, and means for sealing said opposite end of said inner axial tube; and (iii) means for vaporizing said sample;(b) lamp means on one side of said wafer for exposing said wafer and the sample carried therein to radiation;(c) a monochromator on an opposite side of said wafer for receiving and filtering said radiation after transmission through said wafer;(d) a photomultiplier connected to said monochromator for generating a current proportional to light intensity of said radiation filtered by said monochromator;(e) means for converting said current into voltage; and(f) means for converting said voltage to a digital signal representative of said atomic absorption or atomic fluorescence of said sample, and displaying said signal.