Inductive Coupled Plasma analysis (ICP)

Quantitative analysis of major alloying elements in an Aluminum matrix
ICP/OES works on elements dissolved in a solution (not solids)
Introduction method for the solution is direct nebulization
Plasma is produced through an RF generator.
Each element emits a specific optical ray pattern, which is focalized on a monochromator. It selects the proper wavelength characteristic of each element to analyse.
The selected optical wavelengths are then transformed into an electrical signal through a photomultiplicator, and amplified.
This electrical signal is then transformed into a "concentration" through a computerized software.