Laser atomic absorption spectroscopy applying semiconductor diode lasers

The application of tunable single mode semiconductor diode lasers in atomic absorption spectroscopy is discussed in general. The use of several diode lasers, periodical modulation of the laser powers and Fourier analysis of the absorption signals allow background-corrected multi-element atomic absorption spectroscopy with extended dynamic range and internal standardization. This is demonstrated by the simultaneous determination of rubidium and barium in aqueous solutions with a commercial graphite tube atomizer.