---
type: "WebPage"
title: "Laboratory analysis of metallic alloys by Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES)"
description: "Are you looking to measure the chemical composition of a part by Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) ? Spark optical emission spectroscopy (OES) is a quick, simple and non-destructive analytical technique which is used to determine the chemical composition of a..."
resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-oes-alloys/"
tags: ["EN", "pll_614add58161e2", "Materials", "Thomas ROUSSEAU"]
timestamp: "2026-01-15T16:03:44Z"
published: "2021-09-22T08:12:04Z"
language: "en"
author: "Laure Durieux"
---

# Laboratory analysis of metallic alloys by Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES)

## Are you looking to measure the chemical composition of a part by Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) ?

Spark optical emission spectroscopy (OES) is a quick, simple and non-destructive analytical technique which is used to determine the chemical composition of a metallic part and to examine their quality.

The SEO technique consists in passing an electrical current through an electrode and a metallic sample. Atoms and ions energized by plasma create an emission spectrum specific to each element. The emitted wave lengths are unique to each chemical element and the intensity of an emission spectrum is indicative of the concentration of an element in the sample.

## Our analytical services using OES

Relying over 30 years’ experience in analytical development of OES methods, FILAB laboratory is able to assist you with your needs for OES analysis, expertise and process development.

## ANALYSiS

Chemical analysis of all kinds of alloys by OES : [stainless steel](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-material-characterization/validation-passivation-treatment-stainless-steel-laboratory/), steel, [aluminum](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-aluminum-alloys.md)…

Analysis of [metallic powders](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/metallic-powders-characterization-services-at-filab-laboratory/density-characterization-of-metal-powders-in-the-laboratory/) by OES

[Chemical and physical analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services.md) of metallic materials in line with our SAFRAN approval

This type of analysis can be replaced by [ICP-AES](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-icp-icp-ms-icp-aes/icp-aes-analysis-laboratory.md) (atomic emission spectroscopy) paired with elemental analysis (C/S, N/O, H)

## FAQ

 What is OES analysis?
OES analysis (Optical Emission Spectroscopy) is an analytical technique used to determine the chemical composition of metallic materials. It relies on the emission of light by atoms excited in a plasma, allowing rapid and accurate elemental analysis.

 What is OES analysis used for?
OES analysis is used to identify and quantify alloying elements in metals, verify material conformity, control quality, and ensure compliance with industrial standards.

 Which materials can be analysed using OES?
OES analysis is suitable for a wide range of metallic materials, including steel, stainless steel, aluminium alloys, copper alloys and metallic powders.

 Is OES analysis destructive?
OES analysis is considered minimally destructive. Only a very small area of the sample surface is affected during the spark process, making it suitable for quality control and expertise investigations.

 What is the difference between OES and ICP-AES?
OES is mainly used for solid metallic samples and offers very fast results, while ICP-AES requires sample dissolution and is more suitable for trace elemental analysis or complex matrices.

 Can OES analysis be used for metallic powders?
Yes, OES analysis can be applied to metallic powders with adapted preparation methods, allowing accurate determination of their chemical composition.

 Why choose FILAB for OES analysis?
With over 30 years of experience in analytical method development, FILAB provides reliable OES analysis, expertise reports and process support, including analyses performed under SAFRAN approval.