Abstract: Low-power, low flow-rate, portable, miniaturized plasma devices are provided. A portable, low-power, low flow-rate, miniaturized sample introduction device is also provided. The devices are inexpensive to make, have low operating cost and can be used with a variety of gases and gas mixtures. The devices can be used for elemental analysis from liquid or solid micro-samples by optical emission or mass spectrometry provided that an appropriate sample introduction system is used.

Abstract: Low-power, low flow-rate, portable, miniaturized plasma devices are provided. A portable, low-power, low flow-rate, miniaturized sample introduction device is also provided. The devices are inexpensive to make, have low operating cost and can be used with a variety of gases and gas mixtures. The devices can be used for elemental analysis from liquid or solid micro-samples by optical emission or mass spectrometry provided that an appropriate sample introduction system is used.

Abstract: An in-torch vaporization sample introduction system for introducing a sample to be analyzed into a spectrometer, comprising sample holder means for carrying the sample to be analyzed, a modified Fassel-type torch having a plasma fed by inert gas through outer and intermediate feed channels in an enlarged gas tube, an inner axial tube having one end open adjacent the plasma and an opposite end open for receiving the sample holder means for feeding the sample to the plasma, the inner axial tube tapering to a reduced diameter adjacent the one end to form a well defined channel for feeding the sample to the plasma means for positioning the sample holder means in the inner axial tube a predetermined distance below the plasma, and means for sealing the opposite end of the inner axial tube and means for vaporizing the sample.

Abstract: An in-torch vaporization sample introduction system for introducing a sample to be analyzed into a spectrometer, comprising a sample holder means for carrying the sample to be analyzed, a modified Fassel-type torch having a plasma fed by inert gas through outer and intermediate feed channels in an enlarged gas tube, an inner axial tube having one end open adjacent the plasma and an opposite end open for receiving the sample holder for feeding the sample to the plasma, the inner axial tube tapering to a reduced diameter adjacent the one end to form a well defined channel for feeding the sample to the plasma. The sample holder is positioned in the inner axial tube a predetermined distance below the plasma, and the opposite end of the inner axial tube is sealed for vaporizing the sample.