Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Atomic absorption spectroscopy is a common method of quantifying elemental concentrations in a sample typically at ppb-ppm concentrations. Flame atomic absorption spectroscopy operates similarly to other AASs by passing a specific wavelength of light through the sample and measuring the amount of light absorbed (atomic absorption), however, where it differs is that to dissociate ground state atoms it utilizes a flame as the heat source. Flames are typically fueled by either nitrous oxide (N₂O) or acetylene (C₂H₂) in a flame AAS, however in some instances other fuel sources may be used. Flame AAS is a great balance between cost and detection limits and can tolerate more complex matrices than other elemental testing instruments while being user-friendly and reliable. High-throughput laboratories should consider a flame AAS that can utilize multiple hollow cathode lamps to analyze numerous elements sequentially during analysis.