Improved accuracy for the analysis of soft magnetic alloys by inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry by using advanced standardization procedures

The applicability of simultaneous ICP-OES for the accurate analysis of soft magnetic alloys has been investigated. Long-time signal variations of up to 40% can be observed under normal operating conditions. The scattering of the values can largely be compensated by a correction procedure with internal and external standardization where the intensity value of the analytical signal is first rationed to the simultaneously measured intensity of an internal standard line and after that recalibrated with an external standard. Not only the trueness but also the precision could be improved by using Cd as a real-time internal standard. This is attributed to a compensation for instrumental fluctuations as a result of the simultaneous measurement of both emission signals.