High-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS AAS) is the most
revolutionary innovation since the introduction of AAS in 1955. Here the authors provide the
first complete and comprehensive discussion of HR-CS AAS and its application to the analysis of
a variety of difficult matrices. Published just in time with the first commercial instrument
available for this new technique the book is a must for all those who want to know more about
HR-CS AAS and in particular for all future users. The advantages of the new technique over
conventional line-source AAS are clearly demonstrated using practical examples and numerous
figures many in full color. HR-CS AAS is overcoming essentially all the remaining limitations
of established AAS particularly the notorious problem of accurate background measurement and
correction. Using a continuum radiation source and a CCD array detector makes the spectral
environment visible to several tenths of a nanometer on both sides of the analytical line
tremendously facilitating method development and elimination of interferences. Conceived as a
supplement to the standard reference work on AAS by B. Welz and M. Sperling this book does not
repeat such fundamentals as the principles of atomizers or atomization mechanisms. Instead it
is strictly focused on new and additional information required to profit from HR-CS AAS. It
presents characteristic concentration for flame atomization and characteristic mass data for
electrothermal atomization for all elements as well as listing numerous secondary lines of
lower sensitivity for the determination of higher analyte concentrations. The highly resolved
molecular absorption spectra of nitric sulfuric and phosphoric acids observed in an
air-acetylene flame which are depicted together with the atomic lines of all elements make it
possible to predict potential spectral interferences.
