Shadow spectral imaging of absorbing layers in a transversely heated graphite atomizer

The dynamics of formation and dissipation of chloride, nitrate and sulfate matrix vapors in a transversely heated graphite tube atomizer (THGA) with and without integrated platform was investigated with the use of multi-channel atomic absorption spectrometry and the shadow spectral imaging technique. It is shown that non-uniform heating of the tube walls and platform in the furnace radial cross-section causes vapor transfer from atomizer bottom to less heated sides of the tube and platform. This transfer in the atomizer cross-section can be an additional reason for lower level of matrix interferences in the THGA and is a prerequisite for explosive atomization of some elements that appear as absorbance spikes. The cross-sectional structures of molecular layers and the cloud of condensed phase particles are highly inhomogeneous, resulting in absorbance gradients up to 0.2-0.5 mm− 1. These structures differ significantly from those observed earlier in end-heated atomizers. Local vortices of the sheath gas, toroid-shaped and bridge-like structures of vapor layers were observed in the atomizer volume. The role of light scattering on the finally dispersed condensed phase particles in the transverse heated furnace is greater than that in the end heated atomizers because of near axis location of the cloud.