Activa-M, The Master in True Multi-Line Analysis by ICP-AES.

The combination of superb instrumental performance with innovative software tools brings a revolutionary approach of ICPAES analysis. Whatever the user’s knowledge is in ICP, the interactive assistance offered by Activa-M allows the user to achieve reliable results through fast and pleasant operation steps.

This unique assistance emphasizes the benefit of CCD-based multi-line analysis, giving the clue to operate the instrument at his best. The use of only one wavelength per element does not permit the validation of the unknown sample results. If the composition of the matrix is relatively stable, there is no risk of spectral interference and the lines selection causes no problem. In contrast, when the matrix suffers for changes in nature or concentration, the risk of unexpected spectral interferences becomes significant, along with the risk of non-spectral matrix effects.

Therefore, the use of multiple lines per elements makes possible the assessment of outlier results, however the lines selection as well as the outliers detection can be a severe challenge. The CCD-based system along with the superior vertical torch-based Total Plasma View, excellent and constant resolution on 120 – 800 nm spectral range and high linear dynamic range turns the assistance to reality, to overcome this challenge. The assistance is founded on a reliable and comprehensive

ICP-based database and spectra base developed specifically for Activa-M and proprietary to HORIBA Jobin Yvon (France). The line assignment is therefore facilitated through an automatic interpretation, as the database features not only wavelengths but also ionization level, line width, limit of detection, dynamic range of each line. Besides, the spectra base allows the combination of single-element spectra to mimic real-life samples. These procedures have been implemented in the M.A.S.T.E.R. (Multi-line Analysis, Selection Tool for Enhanced Reliability). M.A.S.T.E.R. performs a multi-line selection according to the concentration range of each element and the matrix influence, and greatly simplifies the development and validation of new applications or changes in routine applications. The visualization of the lines selected and their vicinity offers an interactive way of final validation and set up of correct background correction position. Thanks to the spectra base, no sample or standard profiling optimization is required, avoiding then the usual tedious experiments. Finally, the S.O.S. (Statistical Outlier Survey) evaluates the line concentration results through ANOVA data processing to detect outliers, which will be rejected, and to provide a single reliable result per element.

In addition, Activa-M includes other unique interactive tools such as IMAGE, for fast identification of unknown samples using full spectrum acquisition, and CalStat, for the estimation of the calibration procedure. As a whole, the strong interaction between instrumental configuration and software tools is the essence of this unique approach.