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A NEED exists for a method of detecting small amounts of chemicals in air and other gases, and in solutions, simply, and with a high degree of sensitivity. We have developed a new technique based on the concept of using waveguide phenomena in combination with chemical reactions. This technique is applicable to a wide variety of chemical reactions, including biochemical systems, provided that they cause a change in light transmittance by virtue of a change in colour, refractive index, or light scattering. Both real-time and cumulative measurements are possible.

The Ramage method1 for the spectrochemical analysis of solutions has been developed by other workers2. In this method, filter paper is impregnated with the solution and is introduced into the flame or arc in the form of a roll or strip. Mechanical devices have been designed to ensure the steady combustion of the sample2.

RECENT work reported by Menzies1 and Robinson2 has suggested that atomic absorption flame methods3,4 are not applicable to the determination of molybdenum and that the limit of strontium determination lies between 2 and 10 p.p.m. in solution.