by Sean Aleman, Scientific Writer
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) has become an indispensable tool in various sectors, including environmental analysis, food and beverage testing, clinical diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and more due to its precise and accurate detection of trace elements1. Moreover, other methods like Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) and ICP Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) have expanded the capabilities of laboratories in elemental analysis.
Despite the wide adoption of these techniques, selecting the most suitable instrument demands a thorough understanding of technical challenges, current innovations, trends, and crucial purchasing considerations.
This guide aims to provide buyers with the essential knowledge to make informed decisions about atomic spectroscopy instrumentation.
Types of Atomic Spectroscopy
Several types of atomic spectroscopy techniques are commonplace nowadays, including Flame AAS (FAAS), Graphite Furnace AAS (GFAAS), ICP, and ICP-MS, each with their unique advantages and limitations.
FAAS, the traditional and simpler of the two AAS techniques, offers high throughput and is suited for analyzing major and minor elements typically found in concentrations within the parts per million (ppm) range. However, its relatively limited sensitivity may not meet the requirements of trace analysis.
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