Atomic Spectroscopy

At Pittcon this year, there will be numerous sessions dedicated to spotlighting the latest research that uses atomic spectroscopy or elemental analysis techniques. We highlight some of these talks below that might pique the interest of spectroscopists and researchers attending the conference this year.

Benjamin T. Manard has won the 2025 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award for his pioneering research in nuclear material characterization and isotope ratio analysis, with expertise in advanced atomic spectrometry techniques such as inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and laser ablation.

In recent years, advances in X-ray optics and detectors have enabled the commercialization of laboratory μXRF spectrometers with spot sizes of ~3 to 30 μm that are suitable for routine imaging of element localization, which was previously only available with scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS). This new technique opens a variety of new μXRF applications in the food and agricultural sciences, which have the potential to provide researchers with valuable data that can enhance food safety, improve product consistency, and refine our understanding of the mechanisms of elemental uptake and homeostasis in agricultural crops. This month’s column takes a more detailed look at some of those application areas.

Top articles published this week include two peer-reviewed articles that explore optical detection technology for seed vigor and classifying flowers, as well as a profile on Benjamin Manard, who was recognized as the winner of the 2025 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy.

This month’s column evaluates the capability of inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to reduce the impact of doubly charged rare-earth element (REE) interferences on the quantitation of the metalloids, arsenic (As), and selenium (Se) in water and biological matrices.

A recent study examines a new micro-laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (micro-LIBS) device that can provide elemental maps of lithium.

Scientists from the University of Tokyo explored the utility of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) in lunar missions.

NASA’s Perseverance rover is collecting valuable information for scientists back on Earth. A recent study explored how laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is being used to analyze the Martian surface.

A recent study from American Mineralogist looked at improving mineral classification using dual-band Raman spectroscopy.

The following article is adapted from a chapter in the author’s textbook, Practical Guide to ICP-MS and Other AS Techniques: A Tutorial for Beginners, published by CRC Press.

A method combining inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was developed for multielement determination of 50 species of major, minor, micro, and trace, rare earth, and rare elements in geological samples.

In this article, we introduce the concept of a gas exchange device (GED) and how it can be used to monitor organometallic compounds and metallic particles in specialty gases.

Spectroscopic analytical techniques are crucial for the analysis of agricultural products. This review emphasizes the latest advancements in several key spectroscopic methods, including atomic, vibrational, molecular, electronic, and X-ray techniques. The applications of these analytical methods in detecting important quality parameters, adulteration, insects and rodent infestation, ripening, and other essential applications are discussed.

This article explores the current landscape of global critical raw materials (CRM) trends in research and the applications of atomic spectroscopy (AS), including inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and X-ray analytical techniques in their identification of diverse industrial and environmental media.

In this interview, originally published in European Spectroscopy News 44 in 1982, Dave Briggs sat down with 1981 Nobel Prize winner Kai Manne Börje Siegbahn to discuss his career and work in spectroscopy.

Spectroscopic analytical techniques are crucial for the analysis of environmental samples. This review emphasizes the latest advancements in several key spectroscopic methods, including atomic, vibrational, molecular, electronic, and X-ray techniques. The applications of these analytical methods in detecting contaminants and other environmental applications are thoroughly discussed.

We recently interviewed Kacie Ho of the University of Hawaii about her study on metals in seaweed, and how they can be monitored and regulated now and in the future.

Spectroscopy published stories highlighting the work of Jeanette Grasselli Brown, as well as the latest analysis on spectral interpretation, atomic spectroscopy, and more.

This article explores the current landscape of global critical raw materials (CRM) trends in research and the applications of atomic spectroscopy (AS), including inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS), inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP–OES), and X-ray analytical techniques in their identification of diverse industrial and environmental media.

Heavy metals in soil remains one of the most pressing issues in environmental conservation efforts. According to the authors of a new study, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) can contribute to the solution.

Scientists from the University of Calgary and the Mayo Clinic seeking ways to better understand metal processing in children with Autism.

This year’s Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award recipient is Eduardo Bolea-Fernández. For the past decade, Bolea-Fernández’s research has focused on the development of a newly introduced technique, termed tandem ICP-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS), for ultra-trace elemental and isotopic analysis. Senior technical editor Jerome Workman discusses Bolea-Fernández’s work here.

Studying historical ancient artifacts requires the use of a nondestructive technique to analyze the metal surfaces of these objects. This study presents two approaches that improves on existing methods when conducting alloy analysis.

The editors of Spectroscopy retrospect on the most read articles of the past year.

Researchers at Fukuoka University unveil intricate elemental composition and durability properties within PCB powder, revolutionizing electronic waste recycling.

A recent study reveals insights for precise elemental mapping using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS).

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology unveil a sophisticated collisional-radiative model offering insights into laser-produced copper plasma through precise electron impact excitation cross-section calculations.

X-ray emission induced by charged particles, also known as particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE), is a powerful analytical technique for the elemental and chemical characterization of materials.

Spectroscopy's laureate series will highlight the lives and careers of some of the most influential vibrational and atomic spectroscopists.