Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Overview

A method that measures the concentration of a specific element's atoms by shining light from a hollow cathode lamp of the same element through a cloud of the element's atoms in a sample.

A type of spectroscopy that uses the absorption of light by atoms to determine the concentration of a specific element in a sample.

A device that emits light specific to the element it is made for. The light is used to excite atoms of the same element in a sample.

A cloud of free atoms generated from the sample. This is where the light from the hollow cathode lamp passes through.

The process of converting a sample into a cloud of free atoms.

The light emitted by the hollow cathode lamp passes through the atomic vapor, and some of it is absorbed by the target element's atoms.

The amount of light absorbed by the atomic vapor is directly proportional to the concentration of the target element in the sample.

A technique used to measure the concentration of an element in a sample by detecting the light emitted by the atoms of that element when they are excited.

Excitation of atoms in the sample is achieved by heating them to a high temperature.

The intensity of the emitted light is directly proportional to the concentration of the target element in the sample.

A technique that measures the absorption of light by atoms in a sample to determine the concentration of a specific element.

A specific wavelength of light that is absorbed by a particular element's atoms, allowing for selective detection.

A component of an atomic absorption spectrometer that selects a particular wavelength of light, ensuring that only the light absorbed by the target element is measured.

A device that detects the intensity of light passing through the sample, providing information about the amount of light absorbed.

A relationship between the amount of light absorbed by a sample and the concentration of the analyte. It helps determine the analyte's concentration.

A type of atomizer used in AAS that involves heating a sample in a graphite tube, effectively atomizing it.

An atomizer used in AAS that involves burning the sample in a flame, releasing free atoms.

The process of transforming a sample into a cloud of free atoms, typically achieved through heating by a flame or electrothermal atomizer.

A sample is introduced as a solution into an atomizer, where it's converted into a fine mist (aerosol) and then introduced into the flame or furnace for atomization.

The process of transforming a sample into a fine mist (aerosol) before being introduced into the flame or furnace.

A technique used to measure the concentration of an element in a sample by detecting the light emitted by the atoms of that element when they are excited.

The process where excited atoms release energy by emitting light and transition back to their ground state.

A device that emits light specific to the element it is made for. The light is used to excite atoms of the same element in a sample.

The amount of light absorbed by the atomic vapor is directly proportional to the concentration of the target element in the sample. This means if you double the concentration, you double the absorption.

A phenomenon that causes a change in the intensity of the analyte signal, either increasing or decreasing it.

Interference caused by the presence of another atomic absorption line or a molecular absorbance band near the analyte's spectral line.

A type of spectral interference caused by molecular emissions from oxides of other elements in the sample.

Interference caused by factors related to the sample's composition, such as the presence of other elements or compounds.

Interference that arises due to chemical reactions between the analyte and other components in the sample.

Interference caused by the ionization of the analyte in the atomizer.

The process of heating the sample to a high temperature, often in a flame or graphite furnace, to convert it into a free atom cloud.

GFAAS is more sensitive than FAAS, as it has lower detection limits (LODs).

The single-beam FAAS design involves directing the light source through the flame and to the detector. No beam splitting.

The double-beam FAAS design splits the light source beam into two: a sample beam (passing through flame) and a reference beam (monitoring lamp intensity).

Single-beam FAAS is cheaper and offers high sensitivity, but suffers from instability caused by fluctuations in lamp intensity and electronic/mechanical factors.

Double-beam FAAS is more expensive but compensates for fluctuations and drift in lamp intensity, making it more stable and reliable.

Modern improvements in optics have improved double-beam FAAS performance to levels similar to or even better than single-beam systems.

Double-beam FAAS requires less warm-up time compared to single-beam systems, enabling faster analysis and extending lamp lifespan.

Double-beam FAAS is more expensive than single-beam due to the complexity of the splitting and recombination of the beam.

An element that is easily ionized and used in Atomic Emission Spectrometry to reduce ionization interference. For example, K, Rb, and Cs.

A device used in Atomic Emission Spectrometry to create plasma. It's composed of three concentric quartz tubes with a radio-frequency induction coil.

The wavelength of light emitted by excited atoms in Atomic Emission Spectrometry. It's unique for each element, allowing for identification.

The intensity of the light emitted by excited atoms in Atomic Emission Spectrometry is directly proportional to the concentration of the element in the sample.