An ICP torch includes an injector tube defining an injector flow passage to receive a flow of a sample fluid, an intermediate tube disposed about the injector tube, a plasma tube disposed about the intermediate tube, and an induction coil disposed about the plasma tube. An auxiliary gas passage is defined between the injector tube and the intermediate tube to receive a flow of an auxiliary gas. A plasma gas passage is defined between the intermediate tube and the plasma tube to receive a flow of a plasma gas. The induction coil can produce a plasma proximate a torch distal end. The induction coil extends axially from a coil proximal end to a coil distal end proximate the torch distal end. The plasma tube includes an outlet opening proximate the torch distal end. The outlet opening is at least partially coincident with or axially inset from the coil distal end.

A plasma source chamber (10) for use in a spectrometer comprises an inner housing (11) for accommodating a plasma source (31) and an outer housing (12) accommodating the inner housing. The outer housing (12) comprises at least one outer air inlet opening (21) in a first wall and at least one outer air outlet opening (22) in a second wall. Walls of the inner housing and walls of the outer housing define a spacing (25) so as to allow a first air flow (1) from the at least one outer air inlet opening (21) to the at least one outer air outlet opening (22) through the spacing (25) between the inner housing and the outer housing. The inner housing (11) comprises at least one inner air inlet opening (23) in a first wall and at least one inner air outlet opening (24) in a second wall to allow a second air flow (2) from the at least one inner air inlet opening to the at least one inner air outlet opening through the inner housing. Thus, an improved cooling of the outer surfaces of the plasma source chamber is achieved.

A plasma source chamber (10) for use in a spectrometer comprises an inner housing (11) for accommodating a plasma source (31) and an outer housing (12) accommodating the inner housing. The outer housing (12) comprises at least one outer air inlet opening (21) in a first wall and at least one outer air outlet opening (22) in a second wall. Walls of the inner housing and walls of the outer housing define a spacing (25) so as to allow a first air flow (1) from the at least one outer air inlet opening (21) to the at least one outer air outlet opening (22) through the spacing (25) between the inner housing and the outer housing. The inner housing (11) comprises at least one inner air inlet opening (23) in a first wall and at least one inner air outlet opening (24) in a second wall to allow a second air flow (2) from the at least one inner air inlet opening to the at least one inner air outlet opening through the inner housing. Thus, an improved cooling of the outer surfaces of the plasma source chamber is achieved.

Systems and methods for plasma based synthesis of graphitic materials. The system includes a plasma forming zone configured to generate a plasma from radio-frequency radiation, an interface element configured to transmit the plasma from the plasma forming zone to a reaction zone, and the reaction zone configured to receive the plasma. The reaction zone is further configured to receive feedstock material comprising a carbon containing species, and convert the feedstock material to a product comprising the graphitic materials in presence of the plasma.

Systems and methods for plasma based synthesis of graphitic materials. The system includes a plasma forming zone configured to generate a plasma from radio-frequency radiation, an interface element configured to transmit the plasma from the plasma forming zone to a reaction zone, and the reaction zone configured to receive the plasma. The reaction zone is further configured to receive feedstock material comprising a carbon containing species, and convert the feedstock material to a product comprising the graphitic materials in presence of the plasma.

A plasma torch employs a dielectric resonator excited at separate locations with phase shifted signals to provide more uniform current flow through the resonator. High-power operation is possible while protecting the dielectric by using a combination segregated spiral flow and linear flow cooling air at different rates. Microwave leakage from the plasma resonant chamber is contained by conductive metal chokes.

A plasma torch employs a dielectric resonator excited at separate locations with phase shifted signals to provide more uniform current flow through the resonator. High-power operation is possible while protecting the dielectric by using a combination segregated spiral flow and linear flow cooling air at different rates. Microwave leakage from the plasma resonant chamber is contained by conductive metal chokes.

Apparatuses and methods for producing covetic materials by exciting a hydrocarbon gas with pulse microwaves to form hydrocarbon radicals in a hot first region of a microwave reactor. Graphene nanoplatelets are formed by the nucleation, growth and assembly of the hydrocarbon radicals, and contact a metal melt introduced downstream of the hot region to produce a mixture of molten metal and graphene nanoplatelets which assemble in-flight to form covetic materials. Graphene planes are infused in the metal matrix to achieve carbon loadings of at least 60%.

Apparatuses and methods for producing covetic materials by exciting a hydrocarbon gas with pulse microwaves to form hydrocarbon radicals in a hot first region of a microwave reactor. Graphene nanoplatelets are formed by the nucleation, growth and assembly of the hydrocarbon radicals, and contact a metal melt introduced downstream of the hot region to produce a mixture of molten metal and graphene nanoplatelets which assemble in-flight to form covetic materials. Graphene planes are infused in the metal matrix to achieve carbon loadings of at least 60%.

An apparatus for providing material feedstock into a plasma of a plasma torch includes a material feeding device having an input end and an output end. The output end of the material feeding device extends at least partially around the periphery of a plasma generated near the output end of the plasma torch. The material feeding device is oriented at an angle with respect to a central axis of the plasma torch.