The Department of Chemistry is designing and implementing of a series of spectrochemical analysis experiments that uses instrumentation modules including sources, sampling devices, and detectors that may be incorporated interchangeably into six different types of spectral arrangements. These modular experiments offer the advantage of cost effectiveness, low maintenance requirements and a high degree of flexibility. An example of this approach is the analysis of the concentration of a metal by flame emission. The student assembles the instrument from an air/acetylene flame unit, a monochromomter and a photomultiplier tube detector. The latter two modules are used by students wishing to assemble a fluoresence spectrometer or a uv/vis spectrometer for differing analyses.
