Atomisation
Definition
Conversion of a sample into free gaseous atoms in the ground state (AAS) or excited state (AES). The mandatory first step of any atomic-spectroscopy technique.
Related terms
- Beer-Lambert Law
- A = εbc. Absorbance equals molar absorptivity times path length times concentration. The linear relation between absorbance and concentration that makes UV-Vis...
- Chromophore
- The molecular subunit responsible for a dye's colour, typically a conjugated double-bond system; chemical erasure destroys the chromophore while leaving the decolourised...
- Fingerprint Region (IR)
- 1500 to 400 cm⁻¹. The complex lower-wavenumber zone where the whole-molecule pattern is unique enough to identify a substance by overlay.
- Hollow Cathode Lamp (HCL)
- A sealed lamp whose cathode is made of the element being analysed, filled with argon or neon at low pressure. Strikes a...
- ICP Source
- Inductively coupled argon plasma at 6000 to 10000 K. The hottest practical excitation source for AES, giving simultaneous multi-element analysis (ICP-OES, ICP-MS).
- Molar Absorptivity (ε)
- The proportionality constant in the Beer-Lambert law, in L mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹. A property of the analyte at a given wavelength, solvent and...
- Stokes Shift (Raman)
- The Raman-scattered photon at lower energy than the incident photon. The Stokes line is the one routinely measured because it is stronger...
Explained in
- Spectrophotometry for Forensic Science: UV, Visible, IR, Raman, AAS and AESConversion of a sample into free gaseous atoms in the ground state (AAS) or excited state (AES). The mandatory first step of any atomic-spectroscopy technique.