Steps of an electrothermal solid sampling process

The purpose of this step is to volatilize inorganic and organic matrix components selectively from the sample, leaving the analyte element in a less complex matrix for analysis as a result, the duration of this step is a function of the complexity of the sample and can vary between 10 and 30 s. During it, the temperature is increased as rapidly as possible to volatilize matrix components but is kept below the level at which analyte losses might occur. The temperature to be used in the pyrolysis step will depend on the particular analyte and matrix. Recommended temperatures are usually provided in the 

In order to produce an atomic vapour of the analyte elements, the temperature of this step is increased to the point where dissociation of volatilized molecular species occurs. 

Devices for treatment prior to introduction into atomic spectrometers 

After atomization, the furnace may be heated to still higher temperatures to burn off any sample residue remaining in it. An optional cool-down step then allows the furnace to return to a near-ambient temperature before the next sample is introduced. 

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