The Reference Intensity Ratio: Its Measurement and Significance

Abstract Two methods may be used to measure the reference intensity ratio: (1) by measuring intensities from samples prepared by mixing the analyte and standard together in a known weight ratio and (2) measuring separately the intensities for the analyte peak and reference standard peak from pure phase preparations and by correcting the intensities with mass absorption coefficients. Both methods give identical results that are independent of the difference in mass absorption between analyte and standard. These reference intensity ratios may be universally applied to both matrix flushing and adiabatic procedures in multicomponent analysis providing that preferred orientation, microabsorption, and extinction can be eliminated or greatly minimized in the samples under analysis.