Educational Multiwavelength Atomic Emission Spectrometer

Abstract

A simple multiwavelength emission instrument utilizing a commercial grating monochromator, a fiber optic sensor to collect radiation from an acetylene‐air flame, and a CCD detector, has been evaluated for pedagogical value in the undergraduate curriculum. Simultaneous determination of Na, Li, K, Rb at ppb level, and Ca, Sr, Ba at ppm level was achieved. The instrument is affordable, yet suitable for solving real analytical problems. High quality visualization makes the spectrometer a useful educational tool.

Keywords:

• Atomic emission spectroscopy
• CCD detector
• Fiber optics
• Alkali metals
• Alkaline earth metals
• Flame spectroscopy
• Chemical education

Acknowledgments

Support from SUNY SCAP 2001 and 2002 grants and from OceanOptics Inc. is gratefully acknowledged. The author thanks Fred Greenberg (SUNY College at Buffalo) and Leeward Bean (OceanOptics Inc.) for reading and commenting on the article.