Atomic spectrometry update - atomisation and excitation

This review describes developments in atomisation and excitation in analytical atomic spectrometry. It is based upon publications and conference reports received during the period from 1st January 1985 to 28th February 1986 and follows chronologically Chapter 1 in Volume 14 of the Annual Reports on Analytical Atomic Spectroscopy. The 14-month review period results from the change from book to journal format but subsequent reviews will appear on an annual cycle. The format is similar to that used in ARAAS with sections devoted to arcs, sparks, lasers and low-pressure discharges, plasmas, flames, electrothermal vaporisation and chemical vapour generation. Only reports of new developments related to atomisation and excitation are included in this review, applications of established techniques are reported in Updates devoted to specific applications areas. The references cited, prefixed by S/, or for conference reports, S/C, may be found in the supplement distributed to subscribers of JAAS. A key to the location of individual references within JAAS is given at the end of the review. The authors would welcome readers' comments or suggestions and these should be addressed to the Review Topic Co-ordinator.