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Atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) is one of the oldest techniques for chemical analysis, and is still widely used for rapid identification and analysis of elements contained within a sample.
AES provides a qualitative and quantitative way of determining analyte concentration by measuring the optical emissions from excited atoms. Samples are first converted into gas and then excited by flame, electrical discharge (arc or spark), laser, or plasma source depending on operating and measurement criteria. As the excited gas atoms return to a relaxed state, energy is released in the form of light which can be separated into characteristic spectral lines by a monochromator. Measuring the presence and intensity of the dispersed light allows for the determination of the elements contained in the sample. This ability to simultaneously measure multiple elements is a key advantage of AES over atomic absorption spectroscopy.
When choosing a detector it is important to consider a wide spectral response range, geometry (needs to match the monochromator output), high sensitivity, low dark current, and high stability. Side-on photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) have traditionally been the detector of choice for AES, although in recent years the demand for increased throughput and reduced instrument cost has created interest in pixelated devices with high quantum efficiency, such as CCD image sensors and CMOS image sensors.
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Recommended products
Custom devices for OEM customers: Hamamatsu is able to design and manufacture custom CCD and CMOS devices for OEM use. Please contact us for information on these products.
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