Theoretical calculation of the standard deviation and detection limit in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

Standard deviations and detection limits in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) are theoretically calculated. Theoretical and experimental data are compared. Practical application of the theory is described. The theory helps to provide more insight into the (inter)connections between standard deviation, instrumental sensitivity and detection limit. The theory is useful in decreasing method errors. A simple method of estimating the standard deviation of net line signals and detection limits is proposed.