Types of Instruments for ICP-AES:

Two general arrangements of instrumentation are widely used in ICP-AES. The basic principle or the set up is similar for these. However, these differ on the type of dispersion method or the monochromator assembly used to disperse or resolve the large number of emission lines emerging out of the plasma and the detector device. The two types of spectrometers for ICP-AES are as given below.

• Sequential spectrometers
• Simultaneous spectrometers

The sequential and simultaneous spectrometers are widely used in the analytical laboratories. By these, sequential spectrometers are less expensive and more flexible but commonly needs a higher degree of operator skill and experience. On the other hand, the simultaneous spectrometers are more precise and accurate and are obviously more expensive. The simultaneous spectrometers employing solid state array detectors are of recent origin and are also capital intensive.