Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (AES) is an analytical technique used to identify and measure the concentration of elements in a sample by studying the light (radiation) emitted by excited atoms.
Here’s how it works:
- Atomization and excitation:
- The sample is heated to very high temperatures (in a flame, plasma, or spark), converting it into free atoms.
- These atoms absorb energy and become excited.
- Emission of light:
- Excited atoms are unstable, so they quickly return to their lower energy states.
- When they do, they release energy in the form of light at specific wavelengths characteristic of each element.
- Detection:
- The emitted light is passed through a spectrometer, which separates it into wavelengths.
- The intensity of each wavelength corresponds to the amount of that element in the sample.
Applications of AES:
- Detecting metals in alloys and ores.
- Monitoring pollutants in air, water, and soil.
- Measuring trace elements in biological and clinical samples.
- Quality control in industries (steel, glass, semiconductors, etc.).
In short: AES tells us what elements are present and in what amount by analyzing the color and intensity of light emitted by excited atoms.