A Simple Collimating Lens System for Flameless Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Abstract

A simple collimating lens system was used to modify, at modest cost, a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer for performing flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry (f.a.a.s.) analysis with the Varian Model 63 Carbon Rod Atomizer. The source light was collimated into a 3-mm diameter beam which passed through the carbon tube and was focused by a second lens to work efficiently with the monochromator. The modified f.a.a.s. techniques extends the capability of the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer to make possible analyses of trace elements. Good correlation of values for Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn were obtained by use of the National Bureau of Standards Standard Reference Material Orchard Leaves.