Chemical analysis through atomic ionoluminescence

An account is given of the principle of optical microanalysis of the surface of a metallic or insulating solid through atomic ionoluminescence. Essentially, this method involves bombarding the surface to be studied with high-velocity positive ions, and recording the local emission of light resulting from the de-excitation of the pulverized atoms on the surface of the target. Two original and complementary instruments are described: an optical microanalyser and an ionprobe microanalyser; examples of possible applications are given, followed by a discussion of the performances and potentials of these systems, which are open to still further refinements.