Abstract: A method of controlling spectroscopic analysis in which a sample in liquid concentrate form and containing an element of interest, is nebulized and carried into an analysis zone by pressurized support gas. The invention comprises regulating the flow rate of the support gas to control the density of atoms of the element present in the analysis zone so as to be within a measurable range. The flow of support gas controls sample uptake at the nebulizer, and that uptake is reduced by dividing the gas flow before the nebulizer so that one part by-passes the nebulizer but is nevertheless directed into the analysis zone so that the total gas flow to the analysis zone remains constant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying out atomic spectroscopy, and particularly atomic absorption and atomic fluorescence spectroscopy. The method involves passing the emission spectrum of a light source through an atomized sample, changing the relationship between a selected emission line of the emission spectrum and a corresponding absorption line of the atoms of interest and measuring the absorption of that emission line by the sample before and after the aforementioned change in relationship. The change in emission and absorption line relationship can be effected by application of the Zeeman Effect, Stark Effect, or Doppler Effect. The apparatus, in one form, includes an electro-magnet operative to apply a magnetic field to the atomized sample and thereby cause splitting and shifting of the aforementioned absorption line, and the magnet is modulated to effect periodic variation of the spectral line relationship.