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Atomic Absorption Analysis

Atomic absorption spectroscopy is a technique for determining the concentration for an element within a sample.

The sample is prepared such that it is contained in a liquid. This liquid is fed into the machine. The machine combines the liquid with a stream of gas-based fuel and oxidant by aerosolizing it. The mixture passes to a burner. The flame is arranged such that it is laterally long and not deep. The height of the flame must also be controlled by controlling the flow of the fuel mixture. A beam of electromagnetic radiation is focused through this flame at its longest axis onto a detector past the flame. Elements absorb this energy at specific frequencies. Thus by tuning the radiation to a desired frequency we can check for specific elements.