Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS)

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) is an analytical technique to determine the concentration of an element (metal) in a sample. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was first developed by Sir Alan Walsh in 1950. This process involves two steps, namely:
1. sample atomization
2. Absorption of radiation by an atomic beam source is free.

• The sample, usually in the form of liquids or solids, first converted into a first atom, by atomization devices (in the form of a flame or graphite furnace).

• During the process of UV-Vis absorption, the atoms are free to experience the electronic transitions from ground state to the exited Stated.

• The number of atoms that have electronic transition depends on temperature, formulated in the Boltzmann equation:

From the use of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), there are advantages and strengths. including
 Advantages AAS:

• Specific
• Sensitivity
• Low Cost Analysis
• Low Capital Cost (?)
• Can Analyze Many Samples in Short Time for Screening of a single analyte Metal.

 Loss AAS:

• Single Element at a Time.
• Requires more Set-up time the between Elements.
• Not the preferred method for screening numerous samples for elemental content

Spectroscopic measurements are generally divided into two groups, namely the absorption and emission. Electronic transitions occur when an electron moves from one energy level to another energy level.   

ABSORPTION
If the electrons absorb (absorb) photons so that the electrons move from the orbital with lower energy level to a high energy level.
EMISSIONS When electrons move from a high energy level to a low energy level so that the emitted photons is proportional to the difference in energy levels.