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Glow Discharge Optical Emission Spectrometers 

LECO GDS900 & GDS950 Spectrometers

LECO GDS950 GlimmentladungsspektrometerAnalyst loading LECO GDS900 sampleholding a glow discharge spectrometer sampleglow discharge spectrometer lamp

Einführung

The LECO GDS900 Glow Discharge Spectrometer delivers fast, accurate elemental analysis for routine metals testing and surface characterization. Designed for foundries, metal producers, and quality control laboratories, it provides reliable bulk composition analysis along with coating and surface layer evaluation, including applications such as galvanizing and other metallic treatments. Advanced glow discharge technology and high-resolution CCD detection enable rapid results with excellent repeatability across a wide range of metallic materials.

For laboratories requiring greater analytical flexibility, the LECO GDS950 Glow Discharge Spectrometer expands capabilities with enhanced spectral resolution, broader elemental coverage, and advanced application support. Its dual DC/RF source enables analysis of both conductive and non-conductive materials, including coatings, ceramics, glass, and complex multilayer structures. Combined with comprehensive depth profiling and surface-to-substrate characterization, the GDS950 provides a powerful solution for demanding research, development, and advanced materials applications.

Why Choose LECO GDS Series

Glow Discharge sample closeup example of sputtered surface

True Bulk Accuracy for Metals

The GDS900 and GDS950 deliver precise bulk elemental analysis through glow discharge technology, where material removal (sputtering) and elemental excitation occur in separate, controlled processes. This unique approach minimizes the influence of microstructure, grain boundaries, inclusions, and other metallurgical history effects that can impact traditional spark OES measurements. The result is bulk compositions that more accurately represent the material itself, rather than localized metallurgical features.

analyst loading sample into glow discharge spectrometer

Simplified Setup, Greater Confidence

Glow discharge produces clean, high-resolution spectra with reduced spectral interferences across a wide range of materials. Eliminating the need for type standardization simplifies method setup and enables more confident analysis of unknown alloys, helping laboratories achieve accurate results without first identifying the material grade.

glow discharge spectrometer operation rendering

Analyze More, See More

Advanced CCD array detection captures the full emission spectrum simultaneously, providing the flexibility to select optimal analytical lines for each element and application. The result is highly accurate elemental analysis across a broad range of materials, concentrations, and alloy compositions, with the confidence to tackle both routine and challenging samples.

glow discharge spectrometer lamp

Unmatched Versatility

The dual-mode DC/RF lamp (GDS950) expands your capabilities beyond metals to non-conductive materials like coatings, glass, and ceramics. Switch modes in software—no hardware changes required—for effortless depth profiling and advanced surface analysis.

Download the GDS Series Brochure

Geräteanwendungen

Batterieanalyse
Hochleistungsmaterialien
Metalle, Mineralien & Erze

Kernanalysen

Optische Emissionsspektrometrie

Anwendungshinweise

Hohlträger aus verzinktem Stahl

Zusammensetzungs-Tiefenprofilanalyse von verzinktem Stahl

This document details the compositional depth profile analysis of various galvanized coatings using the LECO GDS950. It explains how to achieve rapid, accurate results for zinc and zinc-alloy coatings following ISO 16962.
Pile of steel beams

Massenanalyse einer Blankstahlprobe, entnommen mit einer Tauchprobenkelle

This document outlines the bulk analysis of plain carbon steel taken with immersion sampling probes, specifically focusing on ASTM E1806-18 compliance. It demonstrates how the GDS900 and CS744 provide rapid, linear, and interference-free elemental determination for production environments.
chrome-plated automobile hubcap

Massenanalyse von niedrig legierten, Cr-Mo, Automaten- und Austenitischen Hochmanganstählen

Chemical composition is essential for accurate steel identification and classification, as mechanical properties alone cannot reliably distinguish alloy types. Using the LECO GDS900, producers can determine iron, carbon, alloying elements such as chromium, nickel, manganese, vanadium, and molybdenum, as well as modifiers like sulfur and lead. The glow discharge source minimizes metallurgical history effects, reduces…
Molten iron being poured

Massenanalyse von Gusseisen

The chemical composition of cast iron must be strictly controlled to achieve specific physical properties such as strength, abrasion resistance, and corrosion resistance. Utilizing a glow discharge source, the GDS900 uniformly removes material from the sample surface to provide accurate bulk analysis of both gray and ductile as-cast iron while minimizing the effects of metallurgical…
Zusätzliche Anwendungen anzeigen

How Glow Discharge Spectrometers Work

Glow Discharge Spectrometry (GDS) is a high-performance form of Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) used for the rapid elemental analysis of solid samples. The process begins by mounting a flat sample onto a glow discharge source. Once the source is evacuated and backfilled with argon, an electric field is applied to create a stable, self-sustained plasma. 

Inside this plasma, argon ions are accelerated toward the sample surface. Through a process called cathodic sputtering, these ions eject surface atoms into the plasma, where they collide with energetic electrons and become electrically excited. As these atoms relax, they emit photons at unique wavelengths—the “spectrochemical signature” used in optical emission spectroscopy to identify specific elements. 

A high-resolution spectrometer uses CCD arrays to record these OES signals. Because the light intensity is proportional to the concentration of the atoms, the system can precisely quantify the sample chemistry by calibrating known standards. 

A primary advantage of GD-OES is its ability to generate a Compositional Depth Profile (CDP). By measuring the emission signals continuously as the plasma sputters deeper into the material, GDS uniquely validates the entire composition in a single run. This provides a detailed map of both external surface treatments (coatings) and the underlying internal “bulk” alloy, making it an essential tool for material validation. 

Instrumentendetails

Merkmale

True Bulk Composition
Analyze the complete elemental composition of a material, not just a few target elements. Glow discharge technology delivers results that are more representative of the material as a whole.
Surface-to-Substrate Characterization
Measure both surface layers and underlying substrate composition within a single analysis. Gain a deeper understanding of coatings, treatments, and material transitions.
Fast Elemental Analysis
Generate comprehensive elemental data in minutes. Rapid analysis supports faster decisions in production, quality control, and research environments.
Reduced Metallurgical History Effects
Independent sputtering and excitation help minimize the influence of grain structure and microstructural variations. This produces more representative elemental results across a wide range of metals and alloys.
Simplified Analysis of Unknown Materials
Analyze a broad range of alloy types without type standardization. This increases confidence when testing incoming materials, scrap, or unknown samples.
Full-Spectrum Detection
Simultaneous spectral acquisition provides access to all available analytical lines. Select the optimal wavelengths for improved accuracy across diverse applications.
Accurate Analysis Across Alloy Types
Broad spectral coverage helps maintain analytical accuracy across varying compositions and material grades. One system supports many different materials and applications.
Detailed Coating Characterization
Evaluate coating composition, thickness, and uniformity with a single instrument. Verify manufacturing processes and ensure product quality.

Modelle

GDS900 – DC only, choice of bulk/bulk & CDP, extension spectrometer, rotary vane/roots pumps
GDS950 – Choice of DC/DC & RF, bulk/bulk & CDP, extension spectrometer, rotary vane/roots pumps

Modellvergleich

Merkmal / Fähigkeit
GDS900
GDS950
Primary Use
Routine bulk elemental analysis and coating characterization
Advanced bulk, surface, and depth profile analysis
Ideal Industries
Foundries, metal producers, quality control laboratories
Research laboratories, advanced materials, coatings, aerospace, specialty metals
Sample Types
Solid conductive materials
Solid conductive and non-conductive materials
Supported Analyses
Bulk elemental and optional compositional depth profiling
Bulk elemental and optional compositional depth profiling
Electrical Source
Direct Current (DC) Glow Discharge
Dual Direct Current (DC) and Radio Frequency (RF) Glow Discharge
Advanced Methodology
N/A
Pulsed RF, and mixed plasma gas analysis support
Optical Environment
Purged – Argon
Purged – Argon
Spot/Seal Sizes Supported
4/14 mm standard, optional 2/14 mm, and 2/9 mm
4/14 mm standard, optional 2/14 mm, and 2/9 mm
Maximum Sample Size
8” Diameter x 1.5” Thick (20.32 x 3.81 cm)
8” Diameter x 1.5” Thick (20.32 x 3.81 cm)
Spectral Resolution
0.050 nm FWHM; 0.2 nm optional extension spectrometer
0.030 nm FWHM; 0.2 nm optional extension spectrometer
Wavelength Range
160–460 nm Complete Coverage; 460–850 nm with optional extension spectrometer
120–460 nm Complete Coverage; 460–850 nm with optional extension spectrometer
CCD Array Detection
Primary: 8 CCDs – 16,000 Pixels Optional Extension: 2 CCDs – 4,000 Pixels
Primary: 16 CCDs – 32,000 Pixels Optional Extension: 2 CCDs – 4,000 Pixels
Best Fit
Production and routine quality control laboratory testing
Research, development, failure analysis, and complex materials characterization

Optionen

Dual-mode DC/RF lamp
Compositional Depth Profiling
Extension Spectrometer (analyze wavelengths between 460–850 nm)
Rotary Vane Pump
Roots Pump (for labs where oil vapor is incompatible)
Noise Abatement Enclosure for vacuum pump
Integrated Desk
PC/Monitor Cart

Anwendbare Methoden

LECO Glow Discharge Spectrometers adhere to diese genehmigten Methoden.

  • ASTM E2994 Analysis of Titanium and Titanium Alloys by Glow Discharge Atomic Emission Spectrometry 
  • ISO 19272 Low alloyed steel – Glow discharge optical emission spectrometry
  • ISO 11505 General procedures for quantitative compositional depth profiling by glow discharge optical emission spectrometry 
  • ISO 14707 Glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (GD-OES)
  • ISO 16962 Analysis of zinc- and/or aluminum-based metallic coatings by glow-discharge optical-emission spectrometry
  • ISO 25138 Analysis of metal oxide films by glow discharge optical emission spectrometry 

Instrumentenunterstützung

Ensure reliable instrument performance with extensive support, training, and maintenance services. Need tailored support for your glow discharge spectrometers? Our experts are standing by.

Unterstützungsoptionen erkunden

Ereignisse

Webinare, Präsentationen, Konferenzen und Messen

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