The SOLIS-500, a compact laser ablation system, is compatible with homogeneous ceramic and metal samples. The Solis-500 is geared toward bulk analysis of these solid materials with utmost simplicity for maximum throughput with minimal user demands.

Solis-500 Solids Introduction System
The CETAC SOLIS 500 is a laser based sample introduction system specifically designed for bulk quantitative analysis for ICP-OES systems. Virtually any solid sample can be ablated without sample dissolution.

• Designed to easily connect with any ICP-OES system
• No viewing optics or complex sample focusing required
• Precision and accuracy generally superior to spark ablation
• Conductive and non-conductive sampling
• Simple setup and operation
• Virtually maintenance free
• Laser head stability < 1% at full power

Principle of operation
The SOLIS 500 creates a fine aerosol that is liberated from the solid sample surface during ablation with a Nd:YAG laser operating at the fundamental wavelength of 1064 nm. The sampling platform is motor driven and many different sample shapes and sizes are easily placed in the ablation cell. The SOLIS 500 is operated using a keyboard that controls the following functions: rastering, rastering speed, gas flow, safety interlocks and status. The control system is designed for simple and safe operation. Each sample setup and analysis takes only 2 minutes since the system contains no viewing optics to adjust. The user simply places a sample in the holder and presses a key to seal the sampling platform. All gas lines are purged using an automatic interlock system requiring no operator intervention

Figure 2: Short-term signal stability using NIST 1263, %RSD = 2.6%

Performance Evaluation
Several key parameters can be adjusted to improve count rate and precision. These parameters include: nebulizer gas flow, raster speed, laser energy and pulse repetition rate. SOLIS 500 incorporates a custom designed sample cell that allows thorough mixing of the fine sample aerosol and allows for efficient transfer to the ICP.

Figure 3 shows estimated detection limits in low-alloy steels for several elements along with correlation coefficients generated from the NIST series of standards.

Calibration generated using NIST standards 1261, 1263 and 1264.

Figure 3: Estimated LOD in NIST low alloy steels with calibration correlation coefficients