Emisiospektroskopia

Emisiospektroskopia, also known as emission spectroscopy, is an analytical technique in which light emitted by excited atoms, ions, or molecules is analyzed to determine a sample’s composition and concentration. Energizing the species by heat, flame, arc, spark, or plasma causes electronic transitions that produce photons at characteristic wavelengths. Measuring the intensities of these emission lines with a wavelength-selective detector allows elemental identification and quantification.

Common configurations include flame emission spectroscopy (FES), graphite furnace emission spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). In these methods the sample is introduced into an excitation source, and the emitted light is collected by a spectrometer and detected by devices such as photomultiplier tubes or CCDs, enabling analysis across the UV, visible, and near-infrared ranges.

Quantification relies on calibration against standards and the proportionality between emission intensity and concentration, tempered by factors like temperature, transition probability, and self-absorption. Data analysis must address background emission, spectral overlaps, and matrix effects; adequate spectral resolution and careful line selection help minimize interferences.

Applications include environmental monitoring, metallurgy and mining, geology, and clinical analysis, as well as astronomical spectroscopy, where emission lines reveal the composition of celestial objects. Emisiospektroskopia offers rapid, multi-element analysis with good sensitivity for many elements, but requires careful instrument calibration and awareness of spectral interferences and detection limits.