Spectral source, particularly for atomic absorption spectrometry

A spectral source comprising a lamp having a bulb and a base,

• a first electrode disposed within said bulb, said first electrode having a bottom and a side wall extending from said bottom in an axial direction so as to form a hollow portion in said first electrode, said first electrode being provided with a first opening at its side wall for conducting electric current therethrough, said first opening extending through said side wall in a direction away from the axial direction, and said first electrode containing an element emitting a desired spectrum,
• a second electrode disposed within said bulb to face said first opening, and arranged concentrically with the axial center of said first opening,
• a high-frequency source connected between said first and second electrodes for establishing a high-frequency discharge therebetween to cause sputtering of said first electrode and excitation of a radiation having said desired spectrum,
• a gas contained in said bulb for maintaining said discharge,
• means for supplying a magnetic field to an atomic vapor produced by said sputtering, said means being formed in perpendicular to the direction of said first opening, and
• a window provided in said bulb and arranged in the axial direction for transmitting said radiation therethrough.