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Related Concept Videos

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Instrumentation01:22

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: Lab01:21

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...
Raman Spectroscopy Instrumentation: Overview01:26

Raman Spectroscopy Instrumentation: Overview

A conventional Raman spectrophotometer includes a laser source, a sample holding system, a wavelength selector, and a detector.
The monochromatic laser source, typically using visible or near-infrared radiation, generates a highly focused beam of light. This light interacts with the molecules of the sample, scattering some of the light. Liquid and gaseous samples are usually tested in ordinary glass capillaries, while solids can be analyzed as powders packed in capillaries or as potassium...
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Overview01:27

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 Fluorescence Spectroscopy01:29

Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (AFS) is an analytical technique that involves the electronic transitions of atoms in a flame, furnace, or plasma being excited by electromagnetic (EM) radiation. When these atoms absorb energy, they become excited and subsequently release energy as they return to their original state. This emitted light, or "fluorescence," is observed at a right angle to the incident beam. Both absorption and emission processes transpire at distinct wavelengths, which are...
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Atomization Methods01:25

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Atomization Methods

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) atomizes samples through flame atomization or electrothermal atomization. Flame atomization typically involves a nebulizer and spray chamber assembly to combine the sample with a fuel–oxidant mixture, creating a fine aerosol mist that enters a burner. Typically, the fuel and oxidant are combined in an approximately stoichiometric ratio. However, for atoms that are easily oxidized, a fuel-rich mixture may be more advantageous. Only about 5% of the aerosol...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

Estimating Sediment Denitrification Rates Using Cores and N2O Microsensors
07:59

Estimating Sediment Denitrification Rates Using Cores and N2O Microsensors

Published on: December 6, 2018

N2 fixation estimates in real-time by cavity ring-down laser absorption spectroscopy.

Nicolas Cassar1, Jean-Philippe Bellenger, Robert B Jackson

  • 1Division of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA. nicolas.cassar@duke.edu

Oecologia
|September 1, 2011
PubMed
Summary

A new method, Acetylene Reduction Assays by Cavity ring-down laser Absorption Spectroscopy (ARACAS), enables real-time nitrogen fixation measurement. This non-intrusive technique offers continuous, instantaneous data crucial for global nitrogen budget studies.

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Measurement of the Potential Rates of Dissimilatory Nitrate Reduction to Ammonium Based on 14NH4+/15NH4+ Analyses via Sequential Conversion to N2O
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Measurement of the Potential Rates of Dissimilatory Nitrate Reduction to Ammonium Based on 14NH4+/15NH4+ Analyses via Sequential Conversion to N2O

Published on: October 7, 2020

Direct Imaging of Laser-driven Ultrafast Molecular Rotation
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Direct Imaging of Laser-driven Ultrafast Molecular Rotation

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 29, 2026

Estimating Sediment Denitrification Rates Using Cores and N2O Microsensors
07:59

Estimating Sediment Denitrification Rates Using Cores and N2O Microsensors

Published on: December 6, 2018

Measurement of the Potential Rates of Dissimilatory Nitrate Reduction to Ammonium Based on 14NH4+/15NH4+ Analyses via Sequential Conversion to N2O
08:05

Measurement of the Potential Rates of Dissimilatory Nitrate Reduction to Ammonium Based on 14NH4+/15NH4+ Analyses via Sequential Conversion to N2O

Published on: October 7, 2020

Direct Imaging of Laser-driven Ultrafast Molecular Rotation
10:52

Direct Imaging of Laser-driven Ultrafast Molecular Rotation

Published on: February 4, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Biogeochemistry
  • Analytical Chemistry

Background:

  • Estimating nitrogen (N2) fixation, crucial for the global nitrogen budget, commonly relies on acetylene reduction assays.
  • Current methods lack real-time measurement capabilities, creating a critical gap in laboratory and field research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce a novel method, Acetylene Reduction Assays by Cavity ring-down laser Absorption Spectroscopy (ARACAS), for continuous, real-time measurement of ethylene production.
  • To highlight the advantages of ARACAS over conventional flame ionization detector gas chromatography methods.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing cavity ring-down laser absorption spectroscopy to continuously monitor ethylene production in real-time.
  • Circulating air from an incubation chamber headspace through an ethylene spectrometer and back.
  • Automating the instrument for extended measurement periods.

Main Results:

  • ARACAS provides non-intrusive, chemically non-destructive measurements of nitrogenase activity.
  • The method allows for instantaneous, continuous measurements at parts-per-billion (ppb) levels, capturing kinetics within seconds.
  • Demonstrated successful application in measuring N2 fixation in Azotobacter vinelandii and Peltigera praetextata.

Conclusions:

  • ARACAS offers a significant advancement for real-time nitrogen fixation research.
  • The technique is accessible, adaptable to existing protocols, and based on commercially available instrumentation.
  • Potential limitations include analyzer leaks, with future improvements planned.