Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
- Flame Atomic Absorption is a very common technique for detecting metals present in samples.
- The technique is based on the principle that ground state metals absorb light at a specific wavelength.
- Metal ions in a solution are converted to atomic state by means of a flame.
- When light of the correct wavelength is supplied, the amount of light absorbed is measured and a reading for concentration can be obtained.
- Flame atomic absorption is a very accurate quantitative technique and also a good qualitative technique.
- This is one of the main reasons it is the most widely used of the atomic absorption methods.
Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer
Nebulizer
- The nebuilzer system is highly important in FAAS.
- The nebuilzer converts the sample solution into a mist or aerosol.
- The nebulized sample is then carried into the flame.
Process of Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer
- Radiation from the specific light source is focused on the atomic vapor in the flame.
- The radiation then enters a monochromator, which isolates the line of interest.
- The light is then measured by a photomultiplier tube (detector).
- The signal is then processed and the computer system prints the output on screen.
Uses of Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
- Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry is a sensitive technique for the quantitative determination of more than sixty metals.
- As it is used for determining the concentration of metals it can be applied in Environmental Analysis.
- It can also be used to detect if there is trace metals present in food.