The influence of a probe on the optical path of atomic absorption spectrometer with a graphite tube atomizer

We have studied the influence on the atomic absorption signal of the obscuring of the transmission beam by a probe for the two-stage atomization in a graphite tube atomizer. The following parameters were varied: the thickness of the probe (0.5-1.0 mm), its displacement from the optical axis of the spectrometer (up to 2 mm), the diameter of the transmission beam (1.3-4.0 mm), the slit width of the monochromator, and the shape of the intensity distribution over the cross section of the beam emitted either by a hollow cathode lamp, or a deuterium lamp, or an electrodeless lamp. We have shown that, using a probe with a thickness that is optimal for the two-stage atomization (1 mm), it is possible to register analytical absorption signals from 28 chemical elements out of 56 (except Hg), which can be determined in graphite atomizers, with a maximal sensitivity and with no optical interference. The remaining elements can be determined with a lower sensitivity because of the necessity to lower the temperature of the secondary atomization. © 2014 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd