The GDS850 Glow Discharge Spectrometer

The Glow Discharge Atomic Emission Spectrometers from LECO offer quantitative depth profiling and precise bulk analysis of a wide range of metal materials.

The GDS850 spans a broad spectral range between 120 and 800 nm and can be configured with up to 58 channels. This allows users to have a custom-made solution for their laboratories.

Features

Sputtering and excitation separation

Offers uniform sputtering and the non-thermal sample process is suitable for challenging applications

Reduced self-absorption and material re-deposition

Linear calibration curves with a broad dynamic range

Excitation of almost exclusively lines of atoms

Freedom from metallurgical history

Narrower and fewer emission lines decrease interference

Automatic cleaning between specimens saves time

Low consumption of argon gas

Fewer standards are needed for calibration

Applications

The GDS850 spectrometer is perfect for various applications, such as iron (including as-cast), steel, cobalt, nickel, zinc, copper, aluminum, titaniumand tungsten materials.

Theory of Operation

Other techniques may preferentially attack the surface of the sample and do not invariably offer a representative sample to examine. Thanks to the glow discharge, the sample material is evenly sputtered from the surface. The non-thermal nature of the sampling procedure renders this an exceptional method for challenging applications.

Glow Discharge Spectrometry uses a non-thermal, low-pressure process where the material is evenly sputtered from the surface of the sample through a jet of argon ions. The sputtered material is subsequently atomized and excited in a low-pressure plasma discharge, away from the surface of the sample.

The GDS850 spectrometer focuses this technology to boost the performance of users’ laboratory for process control as well as research and development studies. The spectrometer delivers highly precise bulk analysis and compositional depth profiling for surface treatments and coatings analysis.