In a normal state, atoms are in the ground state. When excited, atoms transition from the ground state to the excited state, and when they return to the ground state, they emit characteristic spectra (line spectra). Atomic emission spectroscopy is a method of analyzing a test element based on the characteristic spectral lines emitted by an excited atom when it returns to its ground state. Due to the different atomic energy level structures of each element, the characteristics of the emission spectral lines are different, which can be used for qualitative analysis of the sample; According to the different concentrations of the atoms to be tested, the emission intensity varies, allowing for quantitative determination of the elements.

Atomic emission spectroscopy involves three main processes, namely:

1Using an excitation light source to provide energy to evaporate the sample, dissociate it into atoms or ionize it into ions, and then excite the atoms or ions to produce light radiation;

2Decompose the emitted light of various wavelengths into spectral lines arranged in wavelength order through a spectroscopic system, forming a spectrum;

3Use a detector to detect the wavelength and intensity of spectral lines in the spectrum, and perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of elements in the substance.

Today we are going to introduce one of the main components of emission spectroscopyExcitation source: Its function is to provide the energy required for sample evaporation and excitation. The light source is an important factor determining the sensitivity and accuracy of spectral analysis, which can be divided into flame light source, arc light source, spark light source, inductively coupled plasma light source, microwave plasma light source, glow discharge light source, and laser light source.