Light source (hollow cathode lamp): provide radiation

Spectral line source

Ionization, sputtering, excitation, emission

Atomizer: convert sample into atomic vapor (liquid to gaseous state)

Atomization: process of converting an analyte in solid, liquid or solution form
into free gaseous atoms
Flame atomization
Pneumatic nebulizer: converts sample into fine mist
Nebulizer selection: Stainless steel, Pt / Rh, corrosion resistant plastic
Mixing (spray) chamber: mixes sample with fuel and oxidant prior to entry
into the flame
Burner: burns the aerosol, fuel and oxidant
Desolvation: solvent is evaporated, dried sample particles remain
Vaporization: solid particles are converted into gaseous molecules
Atomization: molecules dissociate into free atoms
Burner head selection: 10 cm (air acetylene), 5 cm (nitrous oxide
acetylene), allow highly dissolved solids to pass through without blockage,
made of stainless steel or titanium to avoid corrosion, construction of
burner head depends on the oxidant/fuel mixture to prevent flame from
flashback
Fuels and oxidants: air acetylene (2300 C), nitrous oxide acetylene
(2700 C)

Monochromator: isolate a single atomic resonance line from the line

spectrum emitted by the hollow cathode lamp
Allow monitoring of one line (element specific line) in the spectrum of the
analyte
Minimize emission from the flame itself

Detector (photomultiplier tube): universal detector for AAS, detect

absorbance of sample
Convert light signal into electrical signal
Convert electrical signal into concentration unit

Characteristic concentration: concentration of an element (mg/L) required

to produce a signal of 1% absorption (0.0044 absorbance).
Can determine if instrumental parameters are optimized and if instrument
is performing up to specifications.
Read the absorbance produced by a known concentration.

Detection limit (d.l.): lowest concentration of an element, which can be

detected with a reasonable certainty.
A valid signal produced by an element > 3 times the noise level
Factors affecting optimization
Size of droplets formed in the nebulizer: smaller droplets, better
evaporation rate, better atomization
Rate of aspiration
Choice of fuels and oxidants: affect the temperature and energy of the
flame
Choice of solvents: affect sensitivity of analysis (viscosity and surface
tension affect uptake rate and droplet size)

Sample preparation is done to obtain sample in solution form.

Solid dissolve in appropriate solvent
Insoluble solids digest organic matter with strong acids
Make samples more concentrated liquid-liquid extract with organic
solvent