Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy And Its Applications - Old And New

Abstract

Atomic absorption methods of analysis are extensively used in the exploration, mining and processing of materials. In such work the most widely used technique involves prior solution of the sample before atomizing in a flame. Methods for the direct analysis of metals and alloys have recently been developed, the atomic vapour of the sample being produced by cathodic sputtering in a glow discharge. The sputtering techniques developed for this work have been applied to the construction of demountable atomic spectral lamps and demountable resonance detectors. It has recently been shown that a separated flame, of the type used in flame fluorescence spectroscopy, can serve as a resonance detector for several elements. By the use of flame-type and sputtering-type resonance detectors, in conjunction with demountable sputtering chambers, it appears possible to develop a general-purpose atomic spectrometer capable of the analysis of solutions or solids by atomic absorption, atomic fluorescence, or atomic emission spectroscopy. © 1977, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.