Ramon M. Barnes Editor Department of Chemistry LGRC Towers University of Massachusetts Am herst MA 01 003-0035 Telephone (41 3) 545-2294 fax 545-4490 Objective The ICP INFORMATION NEWSLETTER is a monthly journal published by the Plasma Research Group at the University of Massachusetts and is devoted exclusively to the rapid and impartial dissemination of news and literature information re- lated to the development and applications of plasma sources for spectrochemical analysis. Background ICP stands for inductively coupled plasma discharge which during the past decade has become the leading spectrochemi- cal excitation source for atomic emission spectroscopy. ICP discharges also are applied commercially as an ion source for mass spectrometry and as an atom and ion cell in atomic fluo- rescence spectrometry.The popularity of this source and the need to collect in a single literature reference all of the pertinent data on ICP stimulated the publication of the ICP INFOR- MATION N€WSE77€R in 1975. Other popular plasma sources i.e. microwave induced plasmas direct current plasmas and glow discharges also are included in the scope of the ICP IN- FORMA TION N€ WSLE TTER. Scope As the only authoritative monthly journal of its type the ICP lNfORMATION NEWSLETTfR is read in more than 40 coun- tries by scientists actively applying or planning to use the ICP or other types of plasma spectroscopy. For the novice in the field the ICP INK)RMATION NEWSLETTER provides a concise and systematic source of information and background material needed for the selection of instrumentation or the development of methodology.For the experienced scientist it offers a sin- gle-source reference to current developments and literature. Editorial The ICP INFORMATION NEWSLETTER is edited by Dr. Ramon M. Barnes Professor of Chemistry University of Mas- sachusetts at Amherst with the assistance of a 20-member Board of National Correspondents composed of leading plasma spectroscopists. The Board members from around the world report news viewpoints and developments. Or. Barnes has been conducting plasma research on ICP and other dis- charges since 1968. He also serves as chairman of the Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry sponsored by the ICP lNFORMATION NEWSLETTER. Reg u I a r Features *Original submitted and invited research articles by ICP and .Complete bibliography of all major ICP publications..Abstracts of all ICP papers presented at major US and inter- @First-hand accounts of world-wide ICP developments. .Special reports on dcp microwave glow discharge and other Calendar and advanced programs of plasma meetings. .Technical translations and reprints of critical foreign-lan- guage ICP papers. .Critical reviews of plasma-related books and software. Conference Activities The ICP INFORMATION NEWSLETTER has sponsored seven international meetings on developments in atomic plasma spectrochemical analysis since 1980 in San Juan Orlando San Diego St. Petersburg and Kailua-Kona. Meeting pro- ceedings have appeared as Developments in Atomic Plasma Spectrochernical Analysis (Wiley) Plasma Spectrochemistry and Plasma Spectrochemistry I/-IV (Pergamon Press) as well as in special issues of Spectrochimica Acta Part €3 and Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry. The 1994 Winter Confer- ence on Plasma Spectrochemistry will be held in San Diego California January 10 - 15 1994; its proceedings will be published by Fall 1994.Subscription Information Subscriptions are available for 12 issues on either an annual or volume basis. The first issue of each volume begins in June and the last issue is published in May. For example Volume 18 runsfrom June 1992 through May 1993. Backissues beginning with Volume 1 May 1975 also are available. To begin a subscription complete the form below and submit it with prepayment or purchase information. For additional informa- tion please call (41 3) 545-2294 fax (41 3) 545-4490 or contact the Editor.Credit cards accepted. plasma experts. national meetings. plasma progress. To order complete this section and send it to ICP Information Newsletter %Dr. Ramon M. Barnes Depart- ment of Chemistry Lederle GRC Towers University of Massachusetts Amherst MA 01 003-0035 USA. Start a subscription for the following issue D Volume(s)- (June 19- - May 19- ) or D 19 (January - December). Enclosed 0 Prepayment O Check or money order OVISA O Mastercard Account No. (All 13 or 16 digits) D Purchase order (No. ) or Send invoice. Date Cardholder Name Expiration date Cardholder Signature . 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These references are selected by expert atomic spectroscopists who add supplementary information that allows you to search for the references you require.The backfile (covering 1985 to 1994) contains over 28,000 references. Update disks add around another 4,000 references a year JAASbase has been designed to work with the database manager Idealist a fully indexed free-text retrieval system. How will JAASbase help you? If you are an analytical scientist with a need for rapid access to information on techniques used in atomic spectrometry JAASbase is the tool you need. Particularly if you work in an applications laboratory with a restricted budget for primary journals and little or no access to library facilities - JAASbase gives you instant access at your bench. Whether your area of analysis is food the environment quality control geology metallurgy or whatever JAASbase will quickly become an essential part of your working life. 1995 Subscription Price )AASbase Backfile (1 986-94) f 280.00/$490.00 JAASbase Updates 1995 f 99.00/$174.00 Idealist Software f 21 0.00/$368.00 Plus VAT in the UK Available in disk size 3.5" or 5.25" To order please contact THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF The Royal Society of Chemistry Turpin Distribution Services Limited Blackhorse Road Letchworth Herts SG6 1 HN United Kingdom. Telephone +44 (0) 1462 672555. Fax i-44 (0) 1462 480947. Turpin Distribution Services Limited is wholly owned by The Royal Society of Chemistry. C H EM I STRY RSC members' should order from The Royal Society of Chemistry Membership Administration Thomas Graham House Science Park Milton Road Cambridge CB4 4WF United Kingdom. Telephone +44 (0) 1223 420066. Fax +44 (0) 1223 423623. E-Mail (Internet) RSC1 @RSC.ORG. information Services