Abstract: A compact atomic absorption analyzer includes a xenon flashlamp, processing circuits, optics, electronic heating apparatus and a photomultiplier. A sample to be tested is heated using electronic (radio frequency) heating apparatus within the optics to subject the sample to thermal energy sufficient to excite the element of the sample to a level at which it will radiate its characteristic line-emission spectra. A high intensity background light having an ultraviolet component is generated by the xenon flashlamp within the optics and this spectral distribution of this light is received by the photomultiplier. The output of the photomultiplier is processed by the processing electronics, with the results of the test displayed, stored and/or downloaded to an external computer or printer.