What is AAS?

Atomic absorption spectroscopy is a commonly used technique for the determination of single
elements in compounds.  As the name suggests, the particles must be atomized in order to
perform analysis.  After the compound has been atomized (usually by a flame), a radiation
source produces waves that pass through the substance and are received by a detector.  The most
common light sources are hollow cathode lamps, and the most common detectors are
photomultiplier tubes.  Both of these elements of the instrument are further explained under
sources and detectors.  This type of spectroscopy has been around for over fifty years, and it
remains one of the most common instrumental analysis techniques for single elements.

Parts of AAS System

hollow cathode lamp

nebulizer

 flame

monochromator

photomultiplier tube (PMT)

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

Atomic emission spectroscopy is the study of the electromagnetic radiation
emitted from matter (elements, compounds, molecules, etc...) when matter is
excited by an excitation source.  Atomic emission spectroscopy has its origins
in the flame test in that a burning flame was one of the first excitation sources
used to generate the emission of light from matter.
Stepwise Sequence in Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Fluorescence spectroscopy is a type of electromagnetic spectroscopy that analyzes fluorescence
from a sample. It involves using a beam of light, usually ultraviolet light, that excites the electrons in
molecules of certain compounds and causes them to emit light; typically, but not necessarily, visible
light.