ICP: Inductively Coupled Plasma

It’s amazing how many machines have been created to find the same end results. It’s like using multiple math theorems that solve for the same answer. I thought x-ray fluorescence was pretty unique and the only way to excite electrons. But, there are apparently multiple ways to do this such as using ICP.

ICP or inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy does the same job that x-ray fluorescence does (just in a different manner). ICP however, works by using plasma. I read several articles all of which confused me more than before. I believe that a sample is placed into the machine and converted into aerosol. The aerosol is then directed into the central channel of the plasma. What confuses me is if the sample becomes plasma or if there is already plasma in there (maybe both happen?). Then there is an electric field inside a loop that shoots electrons at the sample. The electron collision causes the atoms of the aerosol to ionize. From here either the collision causes the ions to be caught in an oscillating field and discharge or based on the ions we can tell what the elements are (I really got lost at this point). Regardless the main point I was getting at is science is pretty cool. Who even thought to create this machine? Personally I think x-ray fluorescence is easier to understand, but maybe I am a little bias.

I did find something very important about ICP. It can use any type of sample. With my machine I am currently limited to children's toys, but If I had an ICP I could run my water study correctly. Sadly, I do not have $50,000 to drop on this machine.