Abstract: A method for the spectral analysis of samples in a graphite tube, comprising the steps of: inserting a liquid sample into a graphite tube; drying the sample by heating the graphite tube; transferring the sample into a particle cloud by further heating up the graphite tube; and measuring one of the optical signals influenced or generated by the sample with a detector; wherein image sequences of the interior of the graphite tube are recorded with a two-dimensional camera having a plurality of image elements over selected periods of time during the spectral analysis; is characterized in that the images of the image sequences are automatically processed with image processing methods, wherein a reference image of the interior of the graphite tube is determined; and the condition of the graphite tube, of the sample and/or of a dosing means for inserting the sample into the graphite tube is determined by comparison of the images of the image sequences to the reference image.

Abstract: A method for the spectral analysis of samples in a graphite tube, comprising the steps of: inserting a liquid sample into a graphite tube; drying the sample by heating the graphite tube; transferring the sample into a particle cloud by further heating up the graphite tube; and measuring one of the optical signals influenced or generated by the sample with a detector; wherein image sequences of the interior of the graphite tube are recorded with a two-dimensional camera having a plurality of image elements over selected periods of time during the spectral analysis; is characterized in that the images of the image sequences are automatically processed with image processing methods, wherein a reference image of the interior of the graphite tube is determined; and the condition of the graphite tube, of the sample and/or of a dosing means for inserting the sample into the graphite tube is determined by comparison of the images of the image sequences to the reference image.