Microwave induced plasma has evolved considerably over the last two decades as an excitation source for optical emission spectrometric and as an ionization source for mass spectrometric techniques. These efforts have led to a better understanding of the basic science of the MIP-based techniques and have stimulated the need for the publication of comprehensive reference books on the theory and practices of the field, providing analytical spectroscopists with an integrated guide on how to apply these new techniques in the most effective manner. This book is the most comprehensive recent publication on MIPs, consisting of 13 chapters, primarily involving the fundamentals, the instrumentation, and the methodologies of MIP-OES. Considerable experimental and fundamental emphasis is placed on the plasma generation as well as the experimental aspects of sample introduction in MIP spectrometry. The book firstly outlines the generation and operation of MIP discharges, and presents briefly the principles of MIP-based techniques currently in use, along with their potential benefits and limitations. It then addresses the art and science of microwave plasma generation and highlights very recent advances in the field, presenting both the fundamental properties and the design details of new microwave plasma sources. Analytical characteristics and novel applications of MIP-OES for a wide variety of sample types are also reviewed. This book is aimed at academics and postgraduates embarking on work in the field of MIP source spectrometry, ICP/MIP users, analysts and research groups who want to configure their own plasma spectrometry setup, and manufacturers of plasma spectrometers and MIP devices.