Optimization of a direct-current plasma emission echelle spectrometer

✍ Scribed by Martha S. Hendrick; Robert G. Michel

• Book ID: 104100255
• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1987
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 849 KB
• Volume: 192
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0003-2670
• DOI: 10.1016/s0003-2670(00)85703-7

✦ Synopsis

Simplex optimization and Box-Behnken partial factorial experimental design techniques were used to optimize the quantitative performance of a direct-current plasma system. Argon pressure and plasma position were selected as variables. The simplex optimization located the region of optimum sensitivity, and the partial factorial design generated quadratic equations describing the relationship between the variables in this area. Results compared well with the results of a univariate search done in the region of optimum sensitivity. Canonical analysis of the response-surface equations showed that there was no unique optimum, but rather a stationary ridge, with combinations of conditions which give similar sensitivities. Studies of response surfaces for imprecision and drift failed to identify one optimal region. Comparison of the imprecision and drift contours with the sensitivity results showed that a significant improvement in precision or drift cannot be made by changing the instrumental conditions.