= Inductively coupled plasma
= ICP
{c}
{synonym}
An <inductively coupled plasma> receives power through <electromagnetic induction>. An alternating coil <electric current> produces a changing <magnetic field>, which induces an <electric field> in the gas. <Electrons> accelerated by that field transfer <energy> through collisions, sustaining <ionization> and driving <atomic transitions>.
A typical analytical source surrounds a gas-carrying dielectric torch with a radiofrequency coil. Excited <atoms> emit <spectral lines> useful for <atomic spectroscopy>, while extracted <ions> can feed <mass spectrometry>. The coil supplies <energy> without requiring it to touch the <plasma>. Coupling, gas composition and particle losses determine the discharge response. <Compendium Method IO-3.4 by the United States Environmental Protection Agency>[EPA Method IO-3.4, §3.1 and Figure 1: inductively coupled plasma source]{ref}
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