Atomic absorption spectroscopy analyzes over 62 elements by measuring the absorption of radiation of a specific wavelength by neutral ground state atoms. It works by spraying a sample into a flame to atomize it, and passing radiation from a hollow cathode lamp of the element's wavelength through the flame. The amount of absorption is measured with a photomultiplier tube, allowing determination of the element's concentration in the original sample. The basic parts of an atomic absorption spectrometer include the hollow cathode lamp radiation source, nebulizer to create an aerosol, flame or graphite furnace atomizer, monochromator to select the element's wavelength, and detector to convert light to an electrical signal. Atomic absorption spectroscopy can be used for a

1. ATOMIC
ABSORPTION
SPECTROSCOPY
PRESENTED BY
JOSHI VAIDIKKUMAR
M.Sc.

2. - INSTRUMENTATION & BASIC PART
INFORMATION.

3. INTRODUCTION
o Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy deals with the
absorption of specific wavelength of radiation by
neutral atoms in the ground state.
o It is very reliable and simple to use.
o It can analyze over 62 elements.
o Also measure the concentration of metals in the
sample.

4. HISTORY
❑ The First Atomic Absorption Spectrometer was built by
Alan Walsh in 1955.

5. ➢ When a solution of metalic salt is sprayed on to a flame , fine
droplets are formed.
➢ Due to the thermal energy of the flame , the solvent in the
droplets evaporate.
➢ Which are converted into the neutral atom.
➢ This neutral atoms absorbed
radiation of Specific
wavelength emitted by Hollow
Cathode Lamp and measured
by Photo multiplier tube as a
detector.

6. BASIC PART INFORMATION
✓ HOLLOW CATHODE LAMP :
▪ Hollow Cathode Lamp are the
most common radiation source of
AAS.
▪ It contains a Tungsten anode and a
Cathode made of the element to be
determined.
▪ These are sealed in a glass tube & filled
with an inert gas ( Neon or Argon )
▪ Each element has its own unique lamp.
▪ Multi element lamp – Na/k , Ca/Mg , Ca/Mg/Zn.

7. ✓ NEBULIZER :
❖ Suck up liquid samples at controlled rate.
❖ Create a fine aerosol spray into flame.
❖ Mix the aerosol and fuel thoroughly into flame.

8. ✓ ATOMIZER :
❑ Elements to be analyzed needs to be in atomic state.
❑ Atomization is separation of particles into individual
molecules and breaking molecules into atoms.
❑ Two types of atomizer
1. Flame atomizer 2. Graphite tube atomizer

9. ✓ MONOCHROMATOR :
➢ Polychromatic light convert into monochromatic
light.
➢ Separate out all of thousand of lines and
select specific wavelength of light which is
absorbed by the sample.
➢ Two types of monochromator
1. Prism monochromator
2. Diffraction gratting monochromator

10. ✓ DETECTOR :
Convert the light signal into electrical signal.
The processing of electrical signal is fulfilled by
a signal amplifier.
The signal could be displayed for read out and
print out by the request format.

11. ✓ APPLICATION :
Different types of dyes are analyse by AAS.
Detection of lithium metal in button cell by AAS.
In clinical chemistry the amount of Zn ,Fe ,Li ,K are analyse in
blood sample by AAS.
How much amount of Au (gold) present in cow urine analyse
by AAS.
Water analysis the amount of metal like Cu , Mg , Al can be
analyse by AAS.

12. Cobalt (Co) metal in beer.
Lead (Pb) metal in maggi.
Ni metal in vegetables.
Au–Ag metal in Chyawan-prash.