Spectroscopic factors optimization in electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry via an optimal experimental design matrix

A method, fast and simple to carry out, is proposed to optimize the instrumental spectroscopic parameters, such as bandpass, lamp current and monochromator slit height in electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. It is based on the monitoring of the detection limit estimation (DLE) variation by using a “D-optimal” experimental design. This method is tested on Cd, Mn, Cu and Sn. In comparison with the default operating conditions, the limits of detection are systematically improved.