Atomic spectrometry update: review of advances in the analysis of metals, chemicals and materials

This update covers the literature published between approximately June 2023 and April 2024 and is the latest part of a series of annual reviews. It is designed to provide the reader with an overview of the current state of the art with respect to the atomic spectrometric analysis of various metals, chemicals and materials. Data processing appears to be the hottest topic in many of the areas. This is especially true for LIBS and (TOF)-SIMS, where huge amounts of data can be acquired. Methods have been used to decrease the dimensions of the data whilst still retaining the most important information. This can then be input into a machine-learning algorithm so that the provenance of a sample, the sample type, or, in the case of TOF-SIMS data, a clear characterisation of the surface of the sample can be obtained while using less computing power and less processing time. Although these algorithms have been used for some years, their use is expanding into new areas. Another development is the combination of complementary techniques on the same instrument platform. This enables data from the two techniques to be obtained simultaneously and from the same spot on the sample. With regard to the different analytical techniques used, LIBS is continuing to increase in popularity, bolstering its reputation as being the rising superstar of the analytical world.