Elemental analysis of solid microscopic samples in the flameless atomic absorption cuvette

Summary Solid microscopic samples are precisely located by means of a newly developed applicator under microscopic control in the center of a flameless graphite tube cuvette. The parts of the applicator that reach into the cuvette are made of quartz which can be cleaned by heating. The values for the K and Na content of samples such applied are highly reproducible. No contamination could be detected. Solid samples yield higher signals than liquid samples. A method of calibration is described which uses lyophilized pieces of egg albumin containing known amounts of K and Na as standards.