The performance of the second surface atomizer for several problematic analyte/matrix systems has been investigated. The atomizer features a modified graphite furnace associated with a controllable gas-cooled Ta insert which “traps” the analyte until a higher, more uniform furnace temperature is attained, after which time the analyte is re-released for analysis. Results with a range of elements, including Al, Cd, Pb, Sn and Tl in both halide and sulfate matrices indicate that ratios of matrix to analyte in excess of 10 4 could typically be tolerated without any interference effects.