Glass capillary array nebulizer for atomic spectrometry

The nebulization of sample solution is a critical step in most atomic spectrometric methods. A novel nebulization technique, based on a glass capillary array, has been investigated. Basic operating parameters and characteristics have been studied to determine how this new nebulizer may be applied to atomic spectrometric methods. The results of preliminary comparisons with current pneumatic nebulizers as well as the porous glass frit nebulizer indicate several notable differences. The glass capillary array nebulizer has a high sample transport efficiency, and, in addition, the glass capillary array is not as limited in performance as the porous frit nebulizer in terms of sample equilibration time and the requirement for a wash cycle. The nebulizer shows great promise where sample volume is limited or where rapid response is necessary, as in chromatography or flow injection analysis.