Atomic physics and atomic spectroscopy: mother and daughter?

Abstract

In Part 1 the roots of analytical atomic emission (AES), absorption (AAS), fluorescence (AFS), optogalvanic (OG) and forward-scattering (FS) spectroscopy in atomic physics are exposed. The essential differences between FS and AAS or AFS are stressed. The links of plasma-source mass-spectrometry with atomic spectroscopy and with flame ionization research are also indicated. Part 2 deals with various aspects of the continual interrelation between atomic physics and atomic spectroscopy. The usage of AAS in atomic physics is exemplified by shock-tube experiments on the oxidation of Cr atoms and the curve-of-growth of the Cr resonance lines in argon. Examples of the usage of AFS in physical experiments are given that relate to the collisional mixing of Zeeman substates and the far-wing profiles of the collisionally broadened Na- D lines. Other aspects of this interrelation are discussed that relate to the sources of atomization and excitation, to the detection or measuring techniques, and to the research or development of analytical methods and sources. In Part 3 the revival of AES and the prospects of some laser-based atomic spectroscopies are summarized, whereas a further exploitation of anomalous dispersion in analytical atomic spectroscopy is suggested. General conclusions and exhortations are collated in Part 4.