The working principle of the system is based on the continuous flow method. First the mercury contained in the sample is transformed into the elemental state by addition of a reducing agent to the sample flow. In a crossflow reactor the mercury is stripped with a gas stream and carried into the optical cell which is made entirely of fused silica. There the quantitative determination of mercury is obtained by measuring UV absorption at a wavelength of 253,7 nm at room temperature. This analytical technique is commonly known as cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS), a method that has proved itself as extremely sensitive and selective over many years. In contrast to a typical multi-element AAS the AULA is specially designed for mercury determination. This allows top performance in analytical applications. The use of a highly stable low-pressure electrodeless mercury discharge lamp (EDL) in connection with the latest UV detector techniques result in excellent baseline stability and low detection limits. Surprisingly easy to use the AULA-WIN offers all features of a modern analytical software. It has been developed with extensive input from our users. Samples, calibration standards and quality control standards (QCS) are entered into the carrousel screen. With an optional barcode stick sample data can be entered comfortably. A sample table is created automatically and can be viewed in the table screen. Sample dilution factors as well as sample weight and final fill up volume for digestion of solid samples can be entered in the table. The result of the measurement is calculated automatically from the chosen calibration function and displayed in µg/l or µg/kg. The QCS function assures a high level of reliability of the analytical results. The results of the analyses together with the data necessary for quality assurance (date, time, user ID, sample number, calibration data, instrument parameters) are stored in a file. They are available at any time for display and printout. Worksheet templates can be created and stored to minimize setup time for routine work. No long purging or rinsing procedures even when samples with high concentrations are analyzed. The typical duration of a full measurement cycle is 80 ... 280 seconds. The quick screening mode allows performing analyses in even a shorter time.