DOPPLER-FREE LASER POLARIZATION SPECTROSCOPY USING A DEMOUNTABLE DC CATHODE-DISCHARGE CELL AS A TRACE CONCENTRATION ATOMIZER

The use of a demountable hollow cathode discharge atomizer in Doppler-free polarization spectroscopy is described for hyperfine structure analysis at trace analyte concentrations/sizes using a continuous-wave ring dye laser. Using a low-pressure demountable plasma cell in laser polarization spectroscopy yields several advantages. In addition to cancellation of Doppler broadening, Lorentzian-broadening is minimized due to low-pressure atomization in the cathode discharge cell. This in turn increases spectral resolution enough to allow isotope ratio and hyperfine structure analysis. In addition, a demountable hollow cathode cell as atomizer offers convenient and efficient small-sample (10 ng) introduction in both liquid or solid form.