Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES)

Optical emission spectrometry (OES) is a technique used especially for the qualitative and quantitative characterization of metals. This technique is based on the principle that each element emits characteristic spectral lines at specific frequencies when heated in a flame. In OES, excitation is achieved by a current pulse (spark) or electric discharge (arc) between two electrodes (metal or graphite electrodes). Most of the spectral lines obtained in this way are in the ultraviolet (UV) range. A grating reflector is used to distinguish these lines from each other and their intensities are measured using CCD (charge coupled device) sensors. In this way, the elements present in the sample and the percentage amounts of these elements are determined.

Main Applications

• Arc/spark spectroscopy in the metal industry
• Determination of alloying elements and their amounts in iron, steel, aluminum, copper, nickel, zinc, lead.