An Atomic Absorption Spectrometer is used to analyze metals by burning a solution containing the unknown metal in a gas flame, then analyzing the light emitted or absorbed by the flame with a spectrophotometer. This makes this instrument ideal for measuring trace amounts of virtually any metal.

Our instrument is a Perkin Elmer 2290 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. It is used in classes like Chem 232 - Analytical Chemistry, and Chem 434 - Instrumental Analysis. It is also used in Environmental Chemistry for the analysis of metals found in wells, streams, and other sources around the Black Hills. It is occasionally used by Dr. Tom Cook, a former faculty member, for the analysis of metals found in different galvanizing processes.