Buscar
light color spectrum

Glow Discharge Optical Emission Spectrometers 

LECO GDS900 & GDS950 Spectrometers

Espectrómetro de descarga luminiscente LECO GDS950Analyst loading LECO GDS900 sampleholding a glow discharge spectrometer sampleglow discharge spectrometer lamp

Introducción

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

Aplicaciones de instrumentos

Análisis de Batería
Materiales de Alto Rendimiento
Metales, Minerales y Minerales en Bruto

Análisis centrales

Espectrometría de emisión óptica

Notas de aplicación

Hollow Galvanized Steel Beams

Análisis del Perfil de Composición de Acero Galvanizado

Este documento detalla el análisis del perfil de profundidad de la composición de diversos recubrimientos galvanizados utilizando el equipo LECO GDS950. Explica cómo obtener resultados rápidos y precisos para recubrimientos de zinc y aleaciones de zinc, de conformidad con la norma ISO 16962.
Pile of steel beams

Análisis a granel de una muestra de acero al carbono, tomado con una sonda de muestreo por inmersión

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.
tapa de rueda de automóvil cromada

Análisis a Granel de Aceros de Baja Aleación, Cr-Mo, de Mecanizado Libre y Austeníticos de Alto Mn

La composición química es esencial para la identificación y clasificación precisas del acero, ya que las propiedades mecánicas por sí solas no permiten distinguir de manera confiable los tipos de aleaciones. Con el LECO GDS900, los productores pueden determinar el contenido de hierro, carbono y elementos de aleación como el cromo, el níquel, el manganeso, el vanadio y el molibdeno, así como de modificadores como el azufre y el plomo. La fuente de descarga luminiscente minimiza los efectos del historial metalúrgico, reduce…
Molten iron being poured

Análisis a granel de hierro fundido

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…
Ver aplicaciones adicionales

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. 

Detalles del instrumento

Características

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.

Modelos

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

Comparación de modelos

Feature / Capability
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

Opciones

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

Métodos aplicables

LECO Glow Discharge Spectrometers adhere to estos métodos aprobados.

  • 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 

Soporte de Instrumentos

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

Explorar opciones de soporte

Eventos

Webinars, Exhibiciones, Conferencias y Ferias comerciales

Explorar Eventos

Noticias Relacionadas

Solicitar más información del producto