Atomic absorption spectroscopy involves using a hollow cathode lamp to emit light of a specific wavelength that is absorbed by atoms of the element being analyzed. The technique was developed in the 1950s and involves spraying a sample into a flame to atomize it. Neutral atoms in the flame absorb light from the lamp, and the amount of absorption is measured to determine the concentration of the element. The instrument consists of a light source, atomizer, monochromator, detector, and readout device. It can be used for both qualitative and quantitative analysis of many elements in various materials like biological fluids, foods, soils, and more.