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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 Force Microscopy01:08

Atomic Force Microscopy

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a type of scanning probe microscopy that can analyze topographic details of various specimens like ceramics, glass, polymers, and biological samples. AFM offers over 1000 times more resolution than the optical imaging system. Images generated from AFM are three-dimensional surface profiles, offering an advantage over the flat, two-dimensional images from other imaging techniques.
The AFM Probe
The probe is regarded as the heart of any AFM setup and comprises the...
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 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...
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...
Atomic Spectroscopy: Absorption, Emission, and Fluorescence01:23

Atomic Spectroscopy: Absorption, Emission, and Fluorescence

Atomic spectroscopy is a vital tool in elemental analysis, both qualitatively and quantitatively. It can be broadly divided into optical spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and X-ray spectroscopy methods. The optical spectroscopic methods are atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), and atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (AFS). The first step in all three methods is atomization, where the solid, liquid, or solution-phase samples are converted into gas-phase atoms and...

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Updated: May 20, 2026

Atomic Force Microscopy Combined with Infrared Spectroscopy as a Tool to Probe Single Bacterium Chemistry
08:51

Atomic Force Microscopy Combined with Infrared Spectroscopy as a Tool to Probe Single Bacterium Chemistry

Published on: September 15, 2020

Absorption imaging of a single atom.

Erik W Streed1, Andreas Jechow, Benjamin G Norton

  • 1Centre for Quantum Dynamics, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia.

Nature Communications
|July 5, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers demonstrate the first absorption imaging of a single atom. This breakthrough in atomic imaging achieves maximum theoretical contrast, paving the way for quantum information processing and advanced imaging techniques.

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Last Updated: May 20, 2026

Atomic Force Microscopy Combined with Infrared Spectroscopy as a Tool to Probe Single Bacterium Chemistry
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Area of Science:

  • Atomic physics
  • Optical imaging
  • Quantum information science

Background:

  • Absorption imaging is a fundamental technique in scientific observation, from microscopy to astrophysics.
  • Understanding atomic optical properties makes single atoms ideal for testing imaging resolution limits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To achieve the first-ever absorption imaging of a single, isolated atom.
  • To validate the capabilities of absorption imaging at the single-atom level.
  • To explore applications in quantum information processing and light-sensitive sample imaging.

Main Methods:

  • Confining a single atomic ion within an Radio Frequency (RF) Paul trap.
  • Employing a phase Fresnel lens for high-resolution absorption imaging.
  • Operating at near wavelength resolution to capture atomic details.

Main Results:

  • Successfully performed absorption imaging of a single isolated atom in a vacuum.
  • Achieved an image contrast of 3.1(3)%, the maximum theoretically possible for the setup's resolution.
  • Demonstrated the feasibility of imaging single atoms with high fidelity.

Conclusions:

  • Single-atom absorption imaging is now a reality, pushing the boundaries of optical resolution.
  • This technique has significant implications for quantum information processing and the development of new imaging modalities.
  • Opens avenues for imaging delicate samples in both optical and X-ray domains.