Abstract

This Atomic Spectrometry Update is a new review resulting from an amalgamation of the reviews formerly appearing under the titles 'Atomic Emission Spectrometry' and 'Advances in Atomic Absorption and Fluorescence Spectrometry and Related Techniques'. An attempt has been made to address only novel and interesting developments so less emphasis has been placed on applications, which are covered in greater detail in the applications reviews, and more on technical developments. The structure of the review has been changed somewhat to keep pace with the evolution of the field. The three primary techniques of atomic absorption, emission and fluorescence spectrometry are all dealt with under each individual heading, so that 'Sample Introduction', for example, deals with sample introduction methods pertaining to all three techniques. There are now separate sections on 'Laser-based Analytical Spectrometry' and 'Coupled Techniques for Speciation Studies' to reflect the growing importance of these fields. It is hoped that these developments will result in a more integrated overview of developments in these related techniques, and any comments on the merit of this approach, or suggestions for 'fine tuning' would be welcome.