This photo shows the quartz torch surrounded by
the copper induction coil. The copper coil is made from copper tubing and is kept cool by
circulating water. RF energy is supplied to the coil which inductively heats the argon gas
to approximately 10,000oC. At this temperature the gas turns into a plasma of
positively charged atoms and electrons. The plasma is kept off the sides of the quartz
torch by a separate flow of argon supplied tangentially to the inside of the torch. The
sample solution after being sprayed by the nebulizer and entrained in argon as
a fine mist,
passes through the center channel of the torch and into the plasma, forming positive ions
of elements in the sample.
