Each element emits a characteristic set of discrete wavelengths, depending on their electronic structure. By observing these wavelengths, the basic composition of the sample can be determined.

There are many ways in which atoms can be brought to an excited state.    The simplest method is to heat the sample to a high temperature, causing excitation due to the collisions between the atoms in the sample.  The atoms released during this process emit a light that is directed to the optical systems. In these systems, light is measured by a CCD photosensitive electronic detector that converts light into electrical charges.

Although the emission lines are caused by a transition between quantized energy states, they have a finite width; that is, they consist of more than one wavelength of light. This broadening of the spectral line has many different causes.

Emission spectrometry is called optical emission spectrometry, due to the nature of the emitted light.

In RICE PROPULSION we work with optical spectrometry equipment (Spectrolab 11698/00) that is calibrated and certified for a laboratory accredited by the Mexican Accreditation Entity (EMA), and with which we guarantee the chemical properties of each and every one of our alloys.

Here is an example of an analysis result for an alloy type NiAl Bronze (ABS G4), below: