Advances in atomic spectrometry and related techniques

Abstract

This is the second iteration of this review covering developments in ‘Atomic Spectrometry’. It covers atomic emission, absorption, fluorescence and mass spectrometry, but excludes material on speciation and coupled techniques which is included in a separate review.1 It should be read in conjunction with the other related reviews in the series.2–5 A critical approach to the selection of material has been adopted, with only novel developments in instrumentation, techniques and methodology being included. Most techniques have reached a level of maturity which precludes the emergence of ‘stand-out’ new developments. It is noteworthy that there are very few novel publications in sections on chemometrics, fundamental studies, or direct solids analysis. Sample introduction continues to generate a steady stream of research outputs, but these are mainly derivative and focused on applications. The advent of SF-ICP-MS is becoming widely adopted as a reliable technique for IR measurements, so this had been the main growth area. Likewise, the use of femtosecond UV lasers has now entered the mainstream for geological applications.