Detection limits of between 3 and 72 ng mL−1(barium, calcium, sodium, vanadium and iron) and linear dynamic ranges of just over four orders of magnitude (barium and calcium) are reported for laser excited atomic fluorescence spectrometry (LEAFS) in the three electrode direct current plasma. The detection limits are not as good as those that have been reported for LEAFS in both the inductively coupled plasma and flames. The limiting factors appear to be the high plasma background, scatter off sample droplets and the inefficiency of the sample introduction process.