Atomic Spectrometry Update—Advances in Atomic Absorption and Fluorescence Spectrometry and Related Techniques

Abstract

This review follows on from last year's review (J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 1994, 9, 213R) and describes the developments in atomic absorption and atomic fluorescence spectrometry since that time. Included in this review are fundamental processes and instrumentation in the areas of atomic absorption and atomic fluorescence spectrometry together with advances in related techniques such as atomic magneto-optical rotation spectrometry and laser-enhanced ionization. The review of ‘Atomic Emission Spectrometry’ may be found in JAAS, Volume 10, Issue 4. With respect to section 1.2, Electrothermal Atomizers, some changes have been implemented. The larger sections have been divided into sub-sections to allow easier and quicker access to material covering a specific area. Much of the work previously reported under section 1.2.5, Developments in technique, was being duplicated in section 1.4, Spectrometers. In the present Update a more rigorous division of the subject matter has been applied in an attempt to reduce the size of the Electrothermal Atomizers section, which in the opinion of the Update authors was becoming rather long. Consequently, some work that was previously discussed under section 1.2.5 will now be found under sections 1.4 and 1.5. The full references, names and addresses of authors can be readily found from the Atomic Spectrometry Updates References in the relevant issue of JAAS. However, as an additional service to readers an abbreviated form of each reference quoted (except for those of Conference Abstract) is given at the end of the review. Comments as to these changes and possible improvements for future reviews are welcomed by the review coordinator.