9727667 Beyerlein This project entitled Glow Discharge Atomization/ExcitationAonization Sources involves a series of studies to further the development and implementation of radio frequency glow discharge (rf-GD) devices as spectrochemical sources for direct solids analysis to include nonconductive materials such as glasses, ceramics, and polymers, by atomic emission and mass spectrometries. Areas of investigation include the implementation of fundamental diagnostic techniques for real-time monitoring of rf-GD atomization/excitation/ionization conditions, where e.g., real- time in situ monitoring of sputtered crater depth will be accomplished with a laser confocal displacement apparatus mounted within the discharge source. Also, the addition of helium to the normal argon discharge will be studied as a means of providing enhanced depth resolution and sensitivity for hard- to-excite/ionize elements. %%% Radio frequency glow discharge sources hold promise in the analysis of materials such as polymers, ceramics and glasses, with the potential for performing rapid bulk and depth-resolved elemental analysis of films, coatings and membrane materials. The further development and optimization of these analytical tools will provide significant advantages over present analysis capabilities in fields of practical applications that include biotechnology, industrial process control, and waste characterization. ***
