| Abstract: | The use of a pulsed neodymium laser permits the direct analysis of solids (metallic and non-metallic) that cannot be analyzed by flame or oven AAS without preparation of the specimen. Microgram quantities are vaporized and partly atomized by the focused laser radiation. AAS techniques are used to investigate the freely expanding vapour of the sample by space and time resolution. The analytical application of this procedure is demonstrated by the determination of the trace constituents Cu, Mn, Mg, Fe, Zn and Si in aluminium and of Cu and Mn in steel.The analytical capability of this method is compared to other AAS techniques. The relative detection limits of ～ 10?6 g g?1 for Cu, Mn and Mg in aluminium agree with results obtained on similar samples using flame AAS. The absolute detection limits of ～ 10?10 to 10?11 g for these elements approach the values obtained in furnace AAS. The precision is limited by fluctuations in the laser evaporation and in the expansion of the sample vapour. |
