Abstract: Each sample is analyzed for all desired elements before starting the next sample, using thermal or nonthermal atomizing devices fro liquid or solid samples. Other new features include the grating drive, lamp-carousel alignment, pulsed atom source, lamp-drift compensation, and dynamic range control. The grating is driven by an arm, the arm by a taut band wound on a drum, and the drum directly by a motor. The lamp carousel mounts on an "L"-shaped rocker with one horizontal and one vertical arm. The carousel rotates on a horizontal axis at the end of the vertical arm. The rocker itself pivots on a horizontal axis at the corner of the L; it is driven about its axis by a motor and screw at the other end of the L. Carousel rotation on its axis moves the right lamp into position and adjusts it accurately in a vertical direction. Pivoting of the rocker simultaneously on its corner axis positions the lamp accurately in a horizontal direction. The pulsed atom source is a combined angled-gas-jet-and-discharge unit.

Abstract: Gas from angled jets in a conical array bounces off the sample in a high-pressure stream, effectively centered in a duct leading to an optical-measurement chamber. A glow discharge, in the high-pressure zone where gas hits the sample, provides effective sample bombardment. Pulsed high-energy presputtering quickly bares the sample interior for analysis. Dislodged atoms flow with the gas (whose centering keeps an arrestor recess clear or obviates the need for a recess) to the measurement chamber, where the stream is bent into a long path for coaxial measurement viewing. To lessen turbulence losses, a contoured guide leads the stream into the coaxial path. The stream can be split into two opposed substreams to double the absorption pathlength. Discharge current is adjusted to use a linear part of the absorbance curve; or servocontrolled to hold absorbance at an ideal value--the current itself serving as an index of concentration.