ICP is a preferred source for AES due to its high stability, low noise, and lack of interference under accurate experimental conditions.

It commonly analyzes solution samples. Additionally, solid samples are directly analyzed via electrothermal vaporization or laser and spark ablation.

Plasma emission spectrometry can qualitatively identify and quantify about 60 elements from the periodic table.

However, elements like boron, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur require a vacuum spectrometer because their emission lines fall below 180 nm, introducing interference from atmospheric components.

Alkali metal detection poses challenges from unsuitable operating conditions and their near-infrared emission lines.

In plasma emission spectroscopy, calibration curves are linear plots of electrical signals proportional to line intensity against analyte concentration.

For quantitative analysis, external standards or internal standards—with similar emission lines and chemical interferences to the analyte—are commonly used.

However, internal standards are preferred when factors like excitation source temperature and atomization efficiency affect the emission intensity beyond control.