Atomic techniques

Atomic techniques are laboratory methods that identify or quantify elements by measuring characteristic behavior of their atoms, such as emission or absorption of radiation.

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Atomic absorption spectroscopy: An analytical method that measures how free atoms absorb element-specific wavelengths of light. It quantifies an element from the light its atoms absorb.
Atomic spectrum: The set of discrete spectral lines produced when atoms absorb or emit radiation at particular wavelengths. Its element-specific lines are the signatures measured by many atomic techniques.
Trace analysis: The measurement of substances present at very low concentrations in a sample. Atomic techniques often detect elements at trace or ultratrace levels.
Molecular spectroscopy: The study of how molecules absorb, emit, or scatter electromagnetic radiation. Molecular methods analyze molecular energy states, unlike methods focused on atoms.
Atomic emission spectroscopy: An analytical method that identifies or quantifies elements from light emitted by excited atoms. It measures the characteristic light released as excited atoms return to lower energy states.
Atomic absorption: The process in which an atom absorbs radiation whose energy matches a transition between its energy levels. Absorption of selected wavelengths underlies atomic absorption measurements.
Environmental monitoring: The systematic measurement of environmental conditions and contaminants over time or across locations. Elemental measurements track toxic metals in water, soil, and air.
Mass spectrometry: An analytical technique that identifies ions by measuring their mass-to-charge ratios. It measures ion masses, although plasma-based variants also provide elemental analysis.
Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy: An emission spectroscopy method that uses a high-temperature argon plasma to excite atoms and ions in a sample. Its plasma source enables sensitive, multielement emission measurements.
Atomic emission: The release of radiation when an excited atom transitions to a lower energy state. Emission wavelengths and intensities provide signals for elemental analysis.