Rapid analysis of emission spectra for gold alloys

We present the results of quantitative determination of the composition of gold alloys in laser spark emission spectrometry (also known as laser-induced breakdown spectrometry or LIBS), based on the contribution from each chemical element to the integrated intensity of the emission from the alloy. The method makes it possible to make real-time measurements using low-power lasers. We have measured the concentration of gold in alloys containing gold, copper, and silver using our method. We demonstrate the need for preliminary qualitative or semiquantitative measurements.