This application note examines some analytical figures of merit for selected elements in a variety of lamp combinations using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The same elements are determined in a number of steel reference materials and samples, with similar results. Evidence is presented that well-designed multi-element lamps can give analytical performance at least as good as that of single-element lamps.
This document examines analytical figures of merit for selected elements using various multi-element hollow cathode lamp combinations in flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The authors present evidence that well-designed multi-element lamps can provide analytical performance at least as good as that of single-element lamps, challenging the traditional view that single-element lamps are superior.
The lamp must generate a narrow emission line of sufficient spectral purity and intensity to achieve a linear calibration graph and low level of baseline noise.