Atomic absorption (AA) has been known since the 19th century, but it was not until the 1950s, thanks to efforts by Alan Walsh at Australia’s CSIRO research center, that use of AA spectrometers became routine for metals analysis.

Top 4 Signs that You Should Service or Replace Your AA Spectrophotometer

	You need a higher-end instrument with capabilities such as more extensive automation, software, data handling, and the ability to switch back and forth from flame to graphite furnace operation.
	Your current instrument is too difficult to use and set up.
	Your current instrument is too slow for your needs, isn’t suited to the size of samples you deal with, or doesn’t provide the sensitivity you need. For example, graphite furnace AA spectrometers are significantly slower than flame-atomizer instruments, but work better with less sample and provide higher sensitivity.
	The light source or detector is worn out or damaged and the system is no longer operating at peak performance.

Top 6 Questions You Should Ask When Buying an AA Spectrophotometer

	Ask if it’s possible to have a sample run on the instrument you’re considering for purchase and how long will it take.
	Can the company’s AA spectrophotometer perform both flame and furnace analyses, and what are the detection limits for each?
	What type of post-sale application and technical support does the company offer and how much will it cost?
	What is the typical time-frame from original purchase order to installation?
	Are there any plans to introduce a new instrument in the near future and, if so, can the current one be upgraded?
	What can the company tell you about the total cost of ownership, including expected consumables, software upgrades, service, and warranty costs?

Recently Released AA Spectrophotometers

AE-AA500

• Flame and graphite furnace is integrated into one instrument
• Change over from one technique to another is carried out by simple key strokes within the software
• Spectral bandwidth is automated and is available with choice of five slit sizes
• Computer controlled heating program allows user to select the best heating program for analysis

A & E Lab
www.aelabcn.com

AAnalyst 400

• Rugged design handles tough matrices
• Modular parts are easily replaced so there is no downtime
• WinLab32™ for AA software combines ease-of-use with greater flexibility to provide a high level of productivity
• Designed with input from lab managers and AA users around the world, instrument provides all the tools and features needed to quickly start running samples

PerkinElmer
www.perkinelmer.com

Accusys 211

• Shipped ready for use
• Features a hands-free ignition for added safety
• All operating conditions are pre-loaded in the internal computer
• The three lamp turret has individual controls for alignment and standby mode to keep lamps warm

Buck Scientific
www.bucksci.com

AA-7000

• 3-D optical system is capable of producing maximum performance for both flame detection (Pb 0.015 ppm) and furnace detection (Pb 0.00005 ppm)
• Features improved lower limits of detection for furnace analysis in all fields, as compared to Shimadzu's previous series designs
• Has a very small footprint

Shimadzu
www.ssi.shimadzu.com

AA Spectrophotometer Manufacturers