High‐resolution Continuum Source Atomic Absorption Spectrometry—Theory and Applications

Abstract

High‐resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry (HR‐CS AAS) is probably the most innovative technique in the field of atomic spectrometry since the introduction of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) in the 1980s. Although it uses the basic principle of atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), i.e. the absorption of radiation by atoms in the gas phase, HR‐CS AAS should not just be considered an improved AAS, but a new technique with an impressive number of new features. HR‐CS AAS is a new player in the field of atomic spectrometry and has to be compared with all the other techniques that are available. We give a short historical introduction about the development of HR‐CS AAS since the 1960s, although it was only in the 1990s, when components that are essential for the proper performance of this technique became available. Theoretical considerations are treated to the extent that is necessary to understand the basic difference between LS AAS (line source atomic absorption spectrometry) and HR‐CS AAS. This is followed by a comprehensive treatment of the instrumental details from the continuum radiation source over the high‐resolution monochromator to the array detector, giving also an insight into the essential control functions to guarantee troublefree operation. The special features of HR‐CS AAS are discussed in detail in order to make possible a comparison with the other techniques of atomic spectrometry. One of these features is the possibility to determine nonmetals, such as phosphorus, sulfur, and the halogens using molecular absorption “lines”. In Section 5, it is shown that HR‐CS AAS, in combination with a graphite tube atomizer, is probably the most rugged technique for trace‐element determination currently available.

Graphite tubes with small internal diameters tailored for high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

“…These results were not unexpected for the HR-CS AAS, as effective background correction is one of its key features and advantages over conventional AAS. 13,14 The results demonstrate that this is also true in the case of HR-CS AAS combined with the mini tube technique.…”

“…This is also in accordance with theoretical considerations. 12 Today, modern high-resolution continuum source AAS (HR-CS AAS) 13,14 provides a completely new way to make atomic absorption measurements. Traditional hollow cathode lamps (HCL) are replaced by a short-arc xenon lamp, which emits intense radiation covering the spectrum from 190 nm to 900 nm.…”

“…Due to random wavelength access, important non-metals such as P, S, N, and the halogens can be determined with this method by utilizing the corresponding spectra of diatomic molecules. 13,14 In most routine analyses, conventional graphite tubes are used for graphite furnace (GF) HR-CS AAS without modification. When this is done, the potential of HR-CS AAS is not fully realized.…”

Determination of aluminum in moisturizing body lotions using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

“…Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS) is a consolidated technique and very common for the determination of trace elements in complex matrices, using direct solid sample or suspension analyses. [12][13][14][15] For both techniques, however, there might be problems with a high background absorption, calibration difficulties, and the non-homogeneity of the samples. [14][15][16][17][18] At least the background correction problems could be solved much more efficiently using high-resolution continuum source GF AAS (HR-CS GF AAS).…”

Analytical Procedures for Cadmium Determination in Facial Make-Up Samples by Graphite Furnace AAS

“…Therefore, GFAAS appears to be an excellent option. Direct solid sampling high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (DSS HR-CS GFAAS) with CCD array detection (15) is another alternative for the determination of trace metals in facial make-up (16,17). It provides low detection limits, permits calibration with aqueous standards, offers improved background correction, and minimizes sample preparation (18)(19)(20)(21).…”