Atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) is a technique used to analyze the elemental composition of samples. The basic principles of atomic emission spectroscopy are:
Atomization: In AES, the sample is atomized into its constituent atoms by heating it in a flame or plasma. This converts the sample into an excited state.
Excitation: Once the atoms are in an excited state, they can emit energy in the form of light when they return to their ground state. This emitted light is specific to each element and can be used to identify which elements are present in the sample.
Emission Spectra: The emitted light from each element produces a unique spectrum of wavelengths, known as an emission spectrum. These spectra are then analyzed using a spectrometer to determine which elements are present and in what concentrations.
Calibration: To accurately quantify the amount of each element present in a sample, calibration standards with known concentrations of each element are run alongside the unknown sample.
Interferences: There may be interferences from other elements or compounds that can affect the accuracy and precision of measurements. Techniques such as background correction and internal standardization can help mitigate these interferences.
Overall, AES is a powerful analytical technique for determining elemental composition and has applications in various fields including environmental analysis, metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, and more.
