Guide to Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) Testing

Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) Introduction

OES, or optical emission spectroscopy, is a popular analytical method for ascertaining various metals and alloys’ elemental and chemical composition.

Optical Emission Spectroscopy Principle

Optical Emission spectroscopy involves exciting atoms and ions using sources like inductively coupled plasma and electric arcs. These excited atoms or ions further lead to the emission of light. The emitted light is guided into a spectrometer and dispersed into different wavelengths. The light intensity of each wavelength is directly proportional to the concentration of the element present in the sample. These wavelengths contain the various characteristics of the component available in the sample.

OES Equipment:

Different optical emission spectroscopy machines exist, including glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy and Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. While many core components might remain common to OES systems, it is not wrong to state that particular designs, calibration methods, and apparatuses can differ significantly between GD-OES and ICP-OES because of the differences in the methods for plasma generation. It is likely much more accurate to state that any OES system shall consist of an optical source—plasma—and a spectrometer, but they vary per the particular type of OES and its application.

Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) Test Scope:

Testing metals and alloys widely applied with optical emission spectroscopy is very efficient and precise in defining a material. Analytic techniques should be very effective in defining metals and become essential to most industries, particularly in metallurgy, manufacturing, aerospace, and many others, where this material composition factors the product’s performance and safety. OES is a technique that can be applied to a wide range of elements, from trace to significant constituents. Thus, it can find a handy spot in quality assurance and control, alloy verification, and conformity to specifications. In primary production control and advanced material analysis, OES is quick and dependable for smooth results and ensures that materials conform to necessary specifications and performance criteria.

Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) Test Procedure:

Whether the type of OES is ICP-OES or GD-OES, the testing procedure for a sample using Optical emission spectroscopy equipment remains the same. When a metallic sample is placed on the device, the apparatus burns plasma onto the sample’s surface. The burn process stimulates the compositional elements, radiating light of various wavelengths. The Spectro machine measures the wavelength of each component and reports it for alloy determination.

Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) Test Sample

Infinita Labs can analyze metal on samples that are at least 0.5″ x 0.5″ x 0.02″ in size. Grinding the samples achieves a smooth surface. Any configuration that complies with the size restriction and can be prepared using the sample prep techniques is suitable for testing. The sample’s surface will have some material burnt off.

Typical Spectro analysis results give percentages of each substance to two decimal places, with the option to go up to four decimals for some element.

Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) Uses, Advantages, & Applications

Though nondestructive, accurate, and fast, it has a few limitations. For example, a nonconductive sample should be coated before testing. Further, the table below provides insights into a few uses, advantages, and industrial applications of OES in real-life situations.

Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) Test Result:

Analyzing the various wavelengths radiated by the burning sample using OES can determine its elemental and chemical composition.

Conclusion:

OES is a non-destructive method for determining the elemental composition of a metal or alloy. Due to its non-destructive characteristics and speedy results, this method has various industrial applications. Are you planning to improve your product’s quality and rise to the top of the competitive business world? Contact us today and get your product tested as soon as possible.

FAQs on Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES)