Selected elemental concentrations
flame AAS
Material Analysis · Composition & Elemental
Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy (AFS)
Characterise selected elemental concentrations, hydride-forming elements or mercury where configured, and single- or limited multi-element content using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.
- Price
- from£60 per sample, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 6 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- PS Analytical Millennium MerlinBeijing Haiguang-AFS-9600
- Typical outputs
- Concentration tableCalibration and QC resultsPreparation and method summaryProcessed spectra
Why this service
What AFS can help you understand
Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy is selected when the project needs defensible information on selected elemental concentrations, hydride-forming elements or mercury where configured, or single- or…
Hydride-forming elements or mercury where configured
graphite-furnace AAS
Single- or limited multi-element content
hydride-generation or cold-vapour AFS
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the tool
The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.
Flame AAS
selected elemental concentrations
- Best used when
- selected elemental concentrations
- Typical result
- Concentration table
- Preparation note
- Exact mass and any drying or dispersion step are confirmed after technical review.
Graphite-furnace AAS
hydride-forming elements or mercury where configured
- Best used when
- hydride-forming elements or mercury where configured
- Typical result
- Calibration and QC results
- Preparation note
- Declare volatility, corrosivity, suspended solids and any storage or temperature requirement.
Hydride-generation or cold-vapour AFS
single- or limited multi-element content
- Best used when
- single- or limited multi-element content
- Typical result
- Preparation and method summary
- Preparation note
- Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
Concentration table reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Calibration and QC results supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Preparation and method summary provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Processed spectra included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Sample requirements
What to provide before work begins
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the decision, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Powder / particles | Provide a dry, homogeneous and clearly labelled sample in a sealed container. | Exact mass and any drying or dispersion step are confirmed after technical review. |
| Liquid / solution | Provide a sealed, compatible container labelled with composition, concentration and solvent. | Declare volatility, corrosivity, suspended solids and any storage or temperature requirement. |
| Solid / component | Provide a clean, stable and clearly labelled specimen with the target face or region identified. | Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved. |
Objective: state the decision, comparison or acceptance criterion the work must support.
Handling and access: declare hazards, instability, confidentiality, file constraints or special logistics before dispatch or transfer.
Questions and answers
Common planning decisions
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope, timing or interpretation.
What should I send for Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy?
Provide powder / particles, liquid / solution, solid / component as applicable. Exact quantity, dimensions and preparation are confirmed during technical review.
Which analysis option should I choose?
Choose the mode around the decision you need to make. For selected elemental concentrations, start with flame AAS; add graphite-furnace AAS when comparison or quantification is required.
How long will the test take?
Typical turnaround is 6 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
What can limit the result?
Usually targeted rather than broad screening. Matrix interference and digestion recovery must be controlled.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope AFS correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Required comparison, acceptance criterion or reference
- Preferred output and reporting depth