INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA TORCHES AND METHODS AND SYSTEMS INCLUDING SAME

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.