Atomic emission spectroscopy Or AES is a process of analysing substances that uses the intensity of light from a plasma, flame, arc or spark in a certain wavelength to compute the quantitative presence of a component in a specific sample. The atomic spectral line wavelength identifies the component and the level of light is proportional to the atom count of this element. The Theory or functioning principle of Atomic Emission Spectroscopy requires the evaluation of the wavelengths of photons discharged by atoms and molecules as they transit from a high energy state to a minimal energy state. A feature set of wavelengths is emitted by each element or material which is determined by its electronic structure. A study of these wavelengths can show the elemental structure of this sample.

In This system, a sample of the substance to be examined is brought into fire in the shape of a sprayed gas or solution. Free atoms of the substance are produced when the fire heat evaporates the solvent and breaks the chemical bonds of the analyte. The heat also changes the electrons to electronically charged particles that emits light when they return to the ground electronic state. Light is emitted at a wavelength characteristic to every element that is then dispersed by a prism or grating and found in spectrometer. Flame Emission spectroscopy is often used while analysing alkali metals for pharmaceutical research and analysis. Inductively coupled plasma Atomic emission spectroscopy ICP-AES employs the use of inductively coupled plasma for generating excited ions and atoms which radiate electromagnetically charged particles in wavelengths characteristic into a certain element.

The various applications of ICP-AES have been discussed below. Inductively coupled atomic absorption spectroscopy is used to ascertain the existence of arsenic in metals, food in wine and to study trace elements which are bound to proteins. ICP-AES is often employed for analysing trace elements within the soil. Forensic experts use this procedure to examine soil samples found at the crime scenes and determine their source. The metal composition of two kinds of soil samples could be compared to ascertain the source of the soil samples taken from crime scene. ICP-AES can be used for assessing motor oils. The results from these studies help in determining the life span of the oil, in addition to assist in quality control and aid in operational efficiency of auto engines. There are a few advantages of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy ICP-AES. These include exceptional linear dynamic range and limit of detection, low chemical interference, multi-element capacity in addition to a stable, reproducible signal.