contrAA® 300 Revolutionises Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

A completely new approach to flame atomic absorption spectrophotometery (AAS) has been launched in the UK by Lambda Advanced Technology.

The contr®AA 300 from Analytik Jena AG combines the simplicity of AAS with the speed and flexibility of ICP spectrometry by utilising a high resolution continuum light source in conjunction with a high resolution double Echelle monochromator for the first time in the technique. This increases sample throughput, improves detection limits and reduces costs.

This novel approach means that all atomic absorption lines from 190 – 900 nm are available from a single light source without the necessity for a different hollow cathode lamp for each element of interest.

Each sample can be analysed sequentially for each element instead of having to measure one element on each sample, change lamps, then measure the next element on each sample and so on.

The high intensity light source and back-thinned CCD detector bring enhanced sensitivity and improved detection limits. For example, 0.1 parts per million Pb can be detected in 1 g/L Fe solution. The system also provides simultaneous real time registration of both analyte and background, using a pixel referencing technique instead of complex and expensive D2 or Zeeman background correction methods. This technique corrects for lamp drift, variations in thermal emission and unspecified background absorptions, leading to faster and more accurate measurements.

To cover the full range of elements accessible by flame AAS, 67 different lamps would be required. Not only is this an expensive option, especially for rarely analysed elements, but most instruments will hold a maximum of just 8 lamps on an adjustable turret. All lines are available on the contr®AA 300 from a single, high intensity xenon short-arc lamp.