Measuring Elements by Atomic Fluorescence

Atomic fluorescence spectroscopy measures elements by detecting the light atoms give off after they are excited by electromagnetic radiation. The atoms are first placed in a flame, furnace, or plasma. They absorb energy, become excited, and then release that energy as they return to their original state. The emitted light is...

In atomic fluorescence spectroscopy, or AFS, atomized samples are irradiated by electromagnetic radiation to cause electronic transitions, and the emitted fluorescence radiation is measured.

The AFS instrument has a high-intensity light source, an atomizer, a wavelength selector, and a detector. Potential excitation sources include pulsed...