Analysis of microgramme samples from a sputtering crater by Atomsource excited atomic absorption spectrometry

Additional application work has been carried out in order to demonstrate further possibilities of the combination Atomsource/AAS for the determination of trace elements in microgramme samples. The method was tested in routine application for different elements like Cu, Nb or Zr. Moreover, a very simple method of mercury determination allowing the detection of 1 ng Hg in 1 μg sample material is described. The technique permits direct analysis of dust, soil, and other oxide samples collected in microgramme amounts for several elements. (orig.)