Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are evaluated for spectral interference correction using simulated and experimentally obtained spectral scans. Using the same data set (where possible), the predictive ability of shallow depth ANNs was validated against partial least squares (PLS, a traditional chemometrics method). Spectral interference (in the form of overlaps between spectral lines) is a key problem in large-size, long focal length inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Unless corrected, spectral interference can be sufficiently severe to the point of preventing precise and accurate analytical determinations. In miniaturized, microplasma-based optical emission spectrometry with a portable, short focal length spectrometer (having poorer resolution than its large-size counterpart), spectral interference becomes even more severe. To correct it, we are evaluating use of deep learning ANNs. Details are provided in this chapter.
Part of the book: Advanced Applications for Artificial Neural Networks