Atomic spectroscopy is the technique for
determining the elemental composition of an
analyte by its electromagnetic or mass spectrum.
Several analytical techniques are available, and
selecting the most appropriate one is the key to
achieving accurate, reliable, real-world results.
Proper selection requires a basic understanding of each technique since each
has its individual strengths and limitations. It also requires a clear understanding
of your laboratory’s analytical requirements.
The following pages will give you a basic overview of the most commonly
used techniques and provide the information necessary to help you select the
one that best suits your specific needs and application
There are three widely
accepted analytical methods
– atomic absorption,
atomic emission and mass
spectrometry – which will
form the focus of our
discussion, allowing us
to go into greater depth
on the most common