GLOW DISCHARGE SPECTROMETRY (GDS):

Glow discharge spectrometers are use to depth profile materials i.e. they measure the composition of a material as a function of depth from the surface. Glow discharge spectrometers are used to measure elemental variations and have numerous industrial applications. Some of these applications include the analysis of painted steel sheet, analysis of nitro carburised steel and zinc-nickel coated steel.

Advantages of Glow Discharge Spectrometer :

• Layer-by-layer removal of material allows for qualitative and quantitative depth profile analysis
• Grimm-type Lamp design provides lowered self-absorption and material re-deposition
• Fewer lines required to analyze full concentration range
• Linear calibrations require fewer standards for calibration
• Automatic cleaning between samples
• No sputtering of anode or other lamp components
• Low reference material consumption
• More burns between required resurfacing
• Shallower burn spots requiring less material removal during resurfacing
• Low gas and other consumable consumption
• Very easy to operate
• Quiet, clean and low maintenance