Abstract: An inductively coupled plasma (ICP) generator includes a torch, an induction device, and an ignition system. The induction device is configured to be supplied with radio-frequency electric current to inductively energize a plasma gas flowed through the torch to produce a plasma. The ignition system includes a high voltage source. The ignition system is configured to: direct a flow of an ignition gas onto the torch; and generate an ignition electric arc in the ignition gas flow using the high voltage source; whereby the ignition electric arc is transmitted to the torch through the ignition gas flow to ionize the plasma gas in the torch.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to a torch that includes a lanthanide or actinide material. In some embodiments, the torch can include one or more other materials in combination with the lanthanide or actinide material. In some embodiments, the torch can comprise cerium, terbium or thorium. In other embodiments, the torch can comprise a lanthanide or actinide material comprising a melting point higher than the melting point of quartz.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to a torch that includes a lanthanide or actinide material. In some embodiments, the torch can include one or more other materials in combination with the lanthanide or actinide material. In some embodiments, the torch can comprise cerium, terbium or thorium. In other embodiments, the torch can comprise a lanthanide or actinide material comprising a melting point higher than the melting point of quartz.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods using counterflow sample introduction are described. In certain examples, the devices, systems and methods may be configured to introduce a fluid flow comprising a sample into a torch comprising a plasma in a direction that opposes the flow of a gas used to sustain the plasma. Optical emission devices, optical absorption devices and mass spectrometers using the counterflow sample introduction are also described.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to a torch that includes a lanthanide or actinide material. In some embodiments, the torch can include one or more other materials in combination with the lanthanide or actinide material. In some embodiments, the torch can comprise cerium, terbium or thorium. In other embodiments, the torch can comprise a lanthanide or actinide material comprising a melting point higher than the melting point of quartz.

Abstract: A device for mass spectroscopy comprising a chamber configured to provide an atomization source, a boost device configured to provide radio frequency energy to the chamber, and a mass analyzer in fluid communication with the chamber and configured to separate species based on mass-to-charge ratios is disclosed. In certain examples, a boost device may be used with a flame or plasma to provide additional energy to a flame or plasma to enhance desolvation, atomization, and/or ionization.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to a torch that includes a lanthanide or actinide material. In some embodiments, the torch can include one or more other materials in combination with the lanthanide or actinide material. In some embodiments, the torch can comprise cerium, terbium or thorium. In other embodiments, the torch can comprise a lanthanide or actinide material comprising a melting point higher than the melting point of quartz.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices that can be used to sustain a low flow plasma. In certain examples, the low flow plasma can be sustained in a torch comprising an outer tube and an auxiliary tube within the outer tube. In some examples, the auxiliary tube comprises an effective length to match the shape of a low flow plasma sustained in the torch using a flat plate electrode. Methods and systems using the torches are also described.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to a torch that includes a lanthanide or actinide material. In some embodiments, the torch can include one or more other materials in combination with the lanthanide or actinide material. In some embodiments, the torch can comprise cerium, terbium or thorium. In other embodiments, the torch can comprise a lanthanide or actinide material comprising a melting point higher than the melting point of quartz.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices that can be used to sustain a low flow plasma. In certain examples, the low flow plasma can be sustained in a torch comprising an outer tube and an auxiliary tube within the outer tube. In some examples, the auxiliary tube comprises an effective length to match the shape of a low flow plasma sustained in the torch using a flat plate electrode. Methods and systems using the torches are also described.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to a torch that includes a suitable amount of a refractory material. In some embodiments, the torch can include one or more non-refractory materials in combination with a refractory material. In some embodiments, the torch can comprise a refractory material and an optically transparent window. In other embodiments, the torch can comprise a material comprising a melting point higher than the melting point of quartz.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices that can be used to sustain a low flow plasma. In certain examples, the low flow plasma can be sustained in a torch comprising an outer tube and an auxiliary tube within the outer tube. In some examples, the auxiliary tube comprises an effective length to match the shape of a low flow plasma sustained in the torch using a flat plate electrode. Methods and systems using the torches are also described.

Abstract: A device for mass spectroscopy comprising a chamber configured to provide an atomization source, a boost device configured to provide radio frequency energy to the chamber, and a mass analyzer in fluid communication with the chamber and configured to separate species based on mass-to-charge ratios is disclosed. In certain examples, a boost device may be used with a flame or plasma to provide additional energy to a flame or plasma to enhance desolvation, atomization, and/or ionization.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices that can be used to sustain a low flow plasma. In certain examples, the low flow plasma can be sustained in a torch comprising an outer tube and an auxiliary tube within the outer tube. In some examples, the auxiliary tube comprises an effective length to match the shape of a low flow plasma sustained in the torch using a flat plate electrode. Methods and systems using the torches are also described.

Abstract: A device for mass spectroscopy comprising a chamber configured to provide an atomization source, a boost device configured to provide radio frequency energy to the chamber, and a mass analyzer in fluid communication with the chamber and configured to separate species based on mass-to-charge ratios is disclosed. In certain examples, a boost device may be used with a flame or plasma to provide additional energy to a flame or plasma to enhance desolvation, atomization, and/or ionization.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to a torch that includes a lanthanide or actinide material. In some embodiments, the torch can include one or more other materials in combination with the lanthanide or actinide material. In some embodiments, the torch can comprise cerium, terbium or thorium. In other embodiments, the torch can comprise a lanthanide or actinide material comprising a melting point higher than the melting point of quartz.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to a torch that includes a suitable amount of a refractory material. In some embodiments, the torch can include one or more non-refractory materials in combination with a refractory material. In some embodiments, the torch can comprise a refractory material and an optically transparent window. In other embodiments, the torch can comprise a material comprising a melting point higher than the melting point of quartz.

Abstract: A boost device configured to provide additional energy to an atomization source, such as a flame or plasma, is disclosed. In certain examples, a boost device may be used with a flame or plasma to provide additional energy to the flame or plasma to enhance desolvation, atomization, and/or ionization. In other examples, the boost device may be configured to provide additional energy for excitation of species. Instruments and devices including at least one boost device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for mass spectroscopy comprising a chamber configured to provide an atomization source, a boost device configured to provide radio frequency energy to the chamber, and a mass analyzer in fluid communication with the chamber and configured to separate species based on mass-to-charge ratios is disclosed. In certain examples, a boost device may be used with a flame or plasma to provide additional energy to a flame or plasma to enhance desolvation, atomization, and/or ionization.

Abstract: A device for sustaining a plasma in a torch is provided. In certain examples, the device comprises a first electrode configured to couple to a power source and constructed and arranged to provide a loop current along a radial plane of the torch. In some examples, the radial plane of the torch is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the torch.