Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: What is it?

The science of spectroscopy examines the interactions between materials and radiation. A change in matter’s condition results from the absorption of energy. A material’s atoms, which will absorb energy radiated from a light source, are referred to as atomic constituents in the phrase.

Due to the distinct electrical structures of each element, these atoms would each have their properties whenever it comes to absorbing and releasing. 

Thus, by determining how much light is received at a given wavelength, which matches the known properties of the elements you are testing for, you can determine the presence of a particular element in a substance using AAS. Hopefully, this article convinces you to be more interested in Agilent atomic absorption spectroscopy.

What Is AAS?

Using certain electromagnetic radiation wavelengths from a light source, atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) may identify elements, usually solid or liquid samples. 

The absorbances of different elements will collect wavelengths variously, and these absorbance readings are measured in comparison to standards. The way AAS works is that it makes use of the many wavelengths of radiation that each atom absorbs.

How Does AAS Work?

In AAS, analytes were first atomized to release and record their distinctive wavelengths. Then, during stimulation, electrons in the corresponding atoms shift one energy level when those atoms receive an energy shift. 

This energy represents a particular unique wavelength in an element. The detection and measurement of certain elements depending on the light’s wavelength and intensity.

For straightforward trace elemental analysis, AAS continues to be a popular option because it has an infinite number of applications. Numerous industries continue to use the distinctive advantages of flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), which has gained widespread acceptance in these sectors. 

For measuring elements at parts per billion (ppb or g/l) concentrations with exceedingly small sample sizes, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) is a well-established method.

Why Should You Try Using AAS?

AAS offers high levels of precision. Results are typically accurate to within 0.5% to 5%, although this accuracy may increase depending on the testing and analytical standards used.

It is an extremely sensitive analytical technique. It can determine parts per billion of a gram in a certain substance. AAS has contributed to the revolution of medical and pharmaceutical procedures by identifying things like trace contaminants.

In some industries, such as the detection of cobalt and molybdenum in soil, this technology has allowed the discovery of metals that people were unaware were present in particular materials.

Also Read: How Research Students Can Use Technology for Their Benefit

Why Is AAS Important?

Around three-quarters of the chemical elements that make up the planet are metals, which are found naturally in our surroundings.

Metals can be pollutants as well as desirable components in some materials. Therefore, checking for metallic composition is a crucial step in various operations. Despite being a long-established technology for determining the presence of metallic elements in materials, atomic absorption spectroscopy is still the gold standard in the field.

This is due to its greater sensitivity compared to other approaches’ limitations. It can offer direct analysis for various liquid samples. As a testing method, it is quick, effective, and affordable and can produce reliable results with extremely tiny sample amounts.