An electrothermal atomiser comprises a graphite cuvette (5) in which a probe (6) is inserted by an actuator (7). The cuvette is gripped by jaws (15) through which an electrical power supply is connected to resistively heat the cuvette (5). The probe (6) is formed from electrographite and may have a flat or profiled head portion on which the sample is deposited by means of a dosing tube (8).
