Fourier transform atomic absorption flame spectrometry with continuum source excitation.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy
• Atomic Spectroscopy

Background:

• Fourier transform techniques offer potential advantages in spectroscopy.
• Atomic absorption flame spectrometry (AAS) is a common analytical technique.
• Conventional AAS methods often utilize echelle spectrometers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the design and performance of a Fourier transform atomic absorption flame spectrometer (FT-AAS).
• To evaluate the signal-to-noise ratio and detection limits of the developed FT-AAS system.
• To compare the performance of FT-AAS with conventional continuum atomic absorption methods.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 300-W xenon arc continuum source and a Michelson interferometer for FT-AAS.
• Employed a grating for pre-dispersion to reduce the spectral window at the detector.
• Investigated signal-to-noise disadvantages by varying photon flux.
• Constructed standard curves for sodium using measurements at absorption maximum and off-line points.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a signal-to-noise disadvantage inherent to the multiplex feature of FT-AAS.
• Achieved detection limits generally an order of magnitude poorer than echelle-based continuum AAS methods.
• Successfully obtained line profiles and absorption spectra within the grating-selected spectral window.
• Extended the linear calibration range for sodium using specific absorbance measurement strategies.

Conclusions:

• The presented FT-AAS design exhibits limitations in detection limits compared to established methods.
• The multiplex disadvantage of FT-AAS impacts its overall performance.
• Despite limitations, the method is capable of acquiring detailed spectral information within a defined spectral range.