How the AAS works

The sample is introduced into the atomic absorption spectrometer using a fine capillary tube. The sample travels through this tube toward the nebulizer component.

The sample passes through the nebulizer, which converts it into an extremely fine spray of droplets containing the dissolved metal sample.

Carrier gases sweep the nebulized sample droplets into the burner slot where the flame is located. The gases serve dual roles: transporting the sample and acting as fuel for the high-temperature flame.

The sample undergoes desolvation (solvent burns off), decomposition of compounds, and produces free atoms and ions in the flame at temperatures exceeding 1,000°C.

Light from a hollow cathode lamp specific to the target element passes through the base of the flame, exciting electrons in atoms and ions of interest to higher energy levels.

As excited electrons return to ground state, they emit photons that pass to the detector. The detector measures the increase in light transmission and converts it to absorbance values.

The absorbance measurement indicates which elements are present in the sample and quantifies the amount based on the energy being absorbed by the target element.