High-Resolution continuum-source atomic absorption spectrometry in an inductively coupled plasma with photodiode array detection

Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) is a well established technique using flames and graphite furnaces. An inductively coupled plasma (ICP), however, is an attractive alternative atom/ion reservoir. A high-resolution continuum-source atomic absorption spectrometer with a photodiode array detector and an ICP as the atomization/ionization reservoir is described. Multi-wavelength capability permits the simultaneous determination of several elements by their atomic and/or ionic transitions. Each acquired spectrum is averaged for 10 s to improve the signal-to-noise ratios. Detection limits are calculated for 14 elements and compared with literature values.