Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy for Trace Metals

Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) measures trace metals by tracking how atoms absorb electromagnetic radiation (EMR). The absorbed light makes atoms move to a higher-energy orbit. In AAS, the key step is atomization, which converts the sample into gas-phase atoms. A flame or a furnace is typically used for this step.

Atomic absorption spectroscopy, or AAS, is an elemental analysis technique based on the principle of absorption of electromagnetic radiation resulting in electronic excitation.

In AAS, the sample is first atomized—converting analytes into gas-phase atoms. Although the flame temperature excites some gas-phase atoms, most remain unexcited.<...