We have ignition...

of the plasma torch earlier today on the brand spanking new Thermo ICP-OES in the EWU geochemistry lab. Here's the Thermo technician setting up the software and instructing Professor C. Nezat on its use:

Argon gas is flowing into the instrument, and the glow of the plasma flame can be seen in the window just to the right of the vertical red handle:

And that equals one very happy geochemist: