spectral background

of an atomizer, of an excitation source

synonym: flame background

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.08549

Electromagnetic radiation, within the bandpass used, emitted by, and/or in the case of atomic absorption spectroscopy, absorbed in, the atomizer when nothing is supplied to the atomizer but the gases involved in its operation.

Note:
In the case of flame atomic spectroscopy, the term "flame background" is used.

Source:
PAC, 2021, 93, 647. 'Glossary of methods and terms used in analytical spectroscopy (IUPAC Recommendations 2019)' on page 734 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2019-0203)