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Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Instrumentation

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Instrumentation

An atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) comprises several components: a radiation source, an atomizer, a monochromator, and a detector. The radiation source can be a hollow-cathode lamp (HCL) or an electrodeless-discharge lamp (EDL), both of which provide a narrow emission line of the required wavelength. However, some instruments use continuum sources and high-resolution monochromators to achieve a narrow range of radiation.
The atomizer used in AAS can be either a flame atomizer or an...

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Radiation and Light Sources

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Radiation and Light Sources

Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) relies on the Beer-Lambert law, which requires that the radiation source emits a narrow range of wavelengths to match the absorption characteristics of the analyte atom. The primary criteria for choosing an appropriate radiation source in AAS is to provide a precise and intense emission at specific wavelengths that will allow accurate detection of the analyte.
Two common narrow-range 'line' sources used in AAS are hollow-cathode lamps (HCLs) and...

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation

The instrumentation of atomic emission spectrometry (AES) involves various components, including atomization devices that convert samples into gas-phase atoms and ions. There are two main types of atomization devices: continuous and discrete atomizers. Continuous atomizers, like plasmas and flames, introduce samples in a constant stream, while discrete atomizers inject individual samples using syringes or autosamplers. The most common discrete atomizer is the electrothermal atomizer.

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Overview

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Overview

Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) is a technique used to analyze elements by measuring electromagnetic radiation (EMR) absorbed by atoms, which causes them to transition to a higher-energy orbit. The most crucial step in AAS is atomization, where the analyte is converted into gas-phase atoms, typically through a flame or furnace. Some of these atoms become thermally excited in the flame, while most remain in the ground state.
When irradiated by EMR of a particular wavelength, these...

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Lab

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Lab

For AAS measurements, samples must be introduced as clear solutions, often requiring extensive preliminary treatment to dissolve materials like soils, animal tissues, and minerals. Common methods for sample preparation include treatment with hot mineral acids, wet ashing, combustion in closed containers, high-temperature ashing, or fusion with reagents.
Solutions containing organic solvents, such as low-molecular-mass alcohols, esters, or ketones, enhance absorbances by increasing nebulizer...

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Overview

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Overview

Atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) is an analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of a sample by analyzing the light emitted from excited atoms. In AES, atoms in a sample are excited to higher energy levels by thermal energy from high-temperature sources, such as plasma, arcs, or sparks. When these excited atoms return to lower energy states, they emit light at specific wavelengths characteristic of each element. The resulting atomic emission spectrum, which consists of...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

A Novel Technique for Raman Analysis of Highly Radioactive Samples Using Any Standard Micro-Raman Spectrometer

A Novel Technique for Raman Analysis of Highly Radioactive Samples Using Any Standard Micro-Raman Spectrometer

Published on: April 12, 2017

A continuum-source single-detector resonance-monochromator for atomic-absorption spectrometry.

J Bower¹, J Bradshaw, J Winefordner

¹Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, U.S.A.

|March 1, 1979

Summary

This study details a new detector for atomic-absorption spectrometry. The device uses a furnace and xenon-arc lamp to atomize elements and measure resonance radiation for precise analysis.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 28, 2026

A Novel Technique for Raman Analysis of Highly Radioactive Samples Using Any Standard Micro-Raman Spectrometer

A Novel Technique for Raman Analysis of Highly Radioactive Samples Using Any Standard Micro-Raman Spectrometer

Published on: April 12, 2017

Area of Science:

Analytical Chemistry
Spectroscopy

Background:

Atomic-absorption spectrometry (AAS) is a crucial technique for elemental analysis.
Accurate detection of atomized elements is essential for quantitative AAS.

Purpose of the Study:

To describe the design and function of a novel detector for atomic-absorption spectrometry.
To outline the components and process for measuring atomized elements using resonance radiation.

Main Methods:

Utilizes a furnace for atomizing a constant concentration of the target element.
Employs a xenon-arc lamp to excite resonance radiation within the burner flame.
Incorporates a tunable grating filter for spectral selection.
Measures the filtered resonance radiation using a photomultiplier detector.

Main Results:

The described detector system enables the measurement of resonance radiation from atomized elements.
The combination of components allows for selective detection of specific elements.

Conclusions:

The developed detector is suitable for atomic-absorption spectrometry applications.
This setup provides a method for sensitive elemental analysis through precise radiation measurement.