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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: jagadeeshr on May 04, 2017, 10:37:33 AM

Title: Plasma Spectroscopy
Post by: jagadeeshr on May 04, 2017, 10:37:33 AM
Hi,

I recently started working on MPD Thrusters. During a recent experiment, spectral images (uncalibrated) were obtained.

The thruster is made of copper and the propellant is argon. These two elements will be the source of emission spectral lines.

I need help to interpret them. I have attached spectrums and profiles.

Thank you.
Title: Re: Plasma Spectroscopy
Post by: Corribus on May 05, 2017, 09:20:12 AM
Without spectral calibration it will be difficult. But you can easily look up where the strongest copper and argon lines are located.

For comprehensive lists of lines (see the relative intensity column):

http://physics.nist.gov/PhysRefData/ASD/lines_form.html

If you are just interested in strongest lines, you could resources for ICP-OES, which uses spectral lines for trace metal analysis. A handy tool can be found here:

https://www.inorganicventures.com/periodic-table

It identifies useful lines for each elements for ICP-OES, which are also usually the stronger UV/visible lines. Note that you won't find useful information about argon here, though - argon is the plasma gas in ICP-OES.