Time-resolved direct-reading spectrochemical analysis using a laser source with medium pulse-repetition rate

Abstract This paper describes the use of a Q -switched neodymium laser with a pulse-repetition rate of 6.25 pulses per second as a spectrochemical source. The detection system comprises a two channel gated integrator for time-resolution and integration of multiple samplings. By pre-lasing the sample it was found that surface effects could be eliminated. Precisions of 2 per cent were obtained for analysis of aluminium alloys. Third partner effects were found to exist. A study of the crater formation suggested a high degree of absorption of laser energy in the partly trapped plasma after initial crater formation.