Physical interferences, atomic spectroscopy

Practically all classical methods of atomic spectroscopy are strongly influenced by interferences and matrix effects. Actually, very few analytical techniques are completely free of interferences. However, with atomic spectroscopy techniques, most of the common interferences have been studied and documented. Interferences are classified conveniently into four categories chemical, physical, background (scattering, absorption) and spectral. There are virtually no spectral interferences in FAAS some form of background correction is required. Matrix effects are more serious. Also GFAAS shows virtually no spectral interferences, but... 

Other physical interferences are similar to those observed in flame emission and atomic absorption spectroscopy. They include effects due to viscosity and temperature of the sample solution. Any factor that can alter the rate of uptake of the sample solution requires control. The best method to use to control these effects is to prepare a blank with physical properties similar to those of the test sample. 

Table 4.21 Summary of Physical and Chemical Interferences in Atomic Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy...

An experimental set-up similar to the one used in polarization spectroscopy is employed in experiments testing atomic manifestations of parity violation in the electro-wealc interaction. [9.359-9.361]. The experiments are important for testing the Standard Model hi elementary particle physics. Right-left asymmetries in atomic physics are of the order of 1 10 . A small optical rotation detectable using crossed polarizers is induced by interference between neutral weak and electromagnetic interactions in atoms. The most accurate experiments deal with heavy elements such as mercury, thalhum, lead and bismuth [9.362, 9.363]. Another way of probing the parity violation is to observe the strength of certain forbidden transitions, notably the 7 —... 

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