The detection of cadmium by employing the forward scattering of resonance radiation

Abstract A new technique for element analysis is reported, which is based on the forward scattering of resonance radiation by atoms in a magnetic field. The linearly polarized light incident on the atomic vapour of the sample is scattered and converted into the elliptically polarized light by magnetically induced birefringence (Voigt effect). Experiments on aqueous solutions of cadmium yield a detection limit of 0.1 pg. The result indicates that this method is highly sensitive and selective for element analysis applications.