Solution-Based Glow Discharges for Atomic Emission Spectroscopy Come of Age

The solution-cathode glow discharge (SCGD) is a low-power, atmospheric-pressure, ambient-atmosphere microplasma that is proving to be a proficient excitation source for atomic emission spectroscopy (AES). The analytical figures of merit of SCGD-AES experiments often compete with established, conventional approaches despite the fact that it is a simple, small, low-cost instrument. The operating principles of the SCGD are reviewed here, including experimental operating parameters, plasma conditions, analytical performance, matrix interferences, and application examples.