Atomic absorption spectroscopy is a technique used to determine the concentration of chemical elements in a sample. It works by measuring the absorption of light by free metallic ions in the gaseous state. The sample is atomized using a flame or electrothermal atomizer, then irradiated with light from an element-specific line source or continuum source. The light passes through a monochromator to isolate the element-specific wavelength, which is measured by a detector. Common atomizers include flames and electrothermal devices, while common light sources are hollow cathode lamps, electrodeless discharge lamps, and deuterium lamps.