Micro-discharge optical source apparatus and method and system for analyzing a sample

A method for analyzing a sample, the method comprising:

• providing a substrate and an anode electrode and a cathode electrode supported on the substrate wherein the electrodes are spaced apart to define an inter-electrode gap therebetween;
• providing a sample reservoir for receiving and retaining a liquid sample at a desired site wherein the desired site is optically coupled to the gap;
• dispensing the liquid sample in the sample reservoir;
• and
• applying a voltage between the electrodes sufficient to generate a glow micro-discharge in the gap to cause a first emission having a first desired excitation spectrum along a first optical path including a first axis which excites the sample so that the sample provides a second emission having an emission spectrum along a second optical path including a second axis.

A system for analyzing a sample, the system comprising:

• a substrate;
• an anode electrode and a cathode electrode supported on the substrate wherein the electrodes are spaced apart to define an inter-electrode gap therebetween;
• a sample reservoir for receiving and retaining a liquid sample at a desired site wherein the desired site is optically coupled to the gap;
• and
• a voltage source for applying a voltage between the electrodes sufficient to generate a glow micro-discharge in the gap to cause a first emission having a first desired excitation spectrum along a first optical path including a first axis which excites the sample so that the sample provides a second emission having an emission spectrum along a second optical path including a second axis.