Analytical signal normalization in laser-enhanced ionization spectrometry with laser ablation of solid samples into a flame

The characteristics of analytical and reference signals (RS) were studied in laser-enhanced ionization (LEI) spectrometry combined with laser ablation of solid samples into a flame. Optoacoustic (OA) and atomic emission (AE) signals have been considered as possible RS. An algorithm of RS selection has been developed. Correlations between LEI signals and RS, which carry information on sample evaporation processes, have been explored. OA (the 1st minimum) and AE (AlI, λ = 396.1 nm) signals were found to be useful as RS (the correlation coefficients were 0.992 and 0.993, respectively). Both RS did not depend on the analyte (Li) content in the sample. It has been shown that the slope of the correlation plots (LEI vs. RS) depends on the Li content in the solid sample. This slope may be used as a novel type of normalized analytical signal, which does not depend on the ablation pulse energy. The influence of both ablating laser radiation characteristics and sample matrix composition on the analytical signal is eliminated (or at least diminished) when using this normalization.