What is spectral interference, when does it occur and how can it be minimised?

Spectral interference, or spectral overlap, is a term used by scientists who are interested in looking at the emission wavelengths of elements to classify data from a source of excited ions which contain a mixture of elements.

It is defined as an absorbing wavelength of an element, not being determined but present in the sample which falls within the measuring line of the analyte of interest.

The absorbance of the element will be measured together with the analyte of interest, increasing the detected emission wavelength.

This bloating effect of the detected wavelength would then cause an increase in signal, telling the instrument that more analyte of interest is present in the sample than there actually is.

When can spectral interference occur?

An element emits a unique spectrum of light when excited by an energy source.