Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES)

ICP-OES is an advanced analytical technique used to detect and quantify trace elements in samples at very low concentrations, typically in the range of parts per million (ppm).

The method is based on the emission of light by atoms and ions that have been excited by a high-temperature inductively coupled plasma. Each element emits light at characteristic wavelengths, and a detector measures the intensity of this light to determine the presence and concentration of each element in the sample.

Applications

ICP-OES is widely used in quality control processes across the metal and precious metal industries. One of its key applications includes:

• Determination of gold (Au) purity in refining and manufacturing processes.

Standard Reference

The testing procedure follows the international standard:
ISO 15093 – Jewellery and precious metals — Determination of high purity gold, platinum and palladium — Difference method using ICP-OES