Spectroscopy - I Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Presented by Reena V. Rathod
Spectroscopy - I Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Presented by Reena V. Rathod
Spectroscopy - I Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Presented by Reena V. Rathod
presented by
Reena V. Rathod
Contents…..
• Introduction
• Working Principle
• Instrumentation:
Radiation sources
Atomizers
Wavelength selector
Detectors
• Interferences
• Applications and Limitations
Atomic absorption spectroscopy and atomic emission
spectroscopy are used to determine the concentration of an
element in solution.
Introduction
• Invention: Introduced in 1955 by Alan Walsh in Australia and
Firstly used for mining, medical treatment & agriculture.
Alan Walsh
(1916-1998)
Difference between molecular absorbance and atomic
absorbance spectrum
The atom then emits energy in the form of light as the electron
falls back into the lower energy orbital (ground state)
Atomized
Sample
• Hollow Cathode
Lamp(HCL)
• Electrodeless Discharge
Lamp(EDL)
Hollow cathode lamp (HCL)
• An excellent, bright line source for most of the elements determinable by
atomic absorption.
• Each HCL will have a particular current for optimum performance.
• In general, higher currents will produce brighter emission and less baseline
noise. As the current continues to increase, lamp life may shorten and spectral
line broadening may occur, resulting in a reduction in sensitivity and linear
working range
The anode and cathode are sealed in a glass cylinder normally filled
with either neon or argon at low pressure. At the end of the glass
cylinder is a window transparent to the emitted radiation.
A finite lifetime – due to depletion of the analyte element from the cathode
Adsorption of fill gas atoms onto the inner surfaces of the lamp – the primary
cause for lamp failure
CONSTRUCTION OF AN EDL
Atomization
Sample introduction:
Process in a Flame AA
M* M+ + e_ Ionization
Mo M* Excitation
MA Mo + A o Atomization
Three stages:
1. drying of sample
2. ashing of organic matter
3. vaporization of analyte atoms
Pyrolysis
Dry 2
Dry 1
Time
Graphite Flame
• Solutions, slurries and solid • Inexpensive (equipment, day-
samples can be analyzed. to-day running)
• Draw a graph
• Have two or more variables
-One is set at known values
-One is measured response
Chemical Interferences
Spectral Interferences
CHEMICAL INTERFERENCES
Limitations
• There is little overlap between the spectral lines of different
elements.
Applications