Surface analysis by glow discharge

This paper deals with the possibilities of glow discharge spectroscopy for surface analysis of metals. After a brief resume of the principles and characteristics of the technique, examples of results obtained are given concerning the control of sub-surface compositions after thermal or thermometric treatment of steels; surface analysis of low carbon steel strip at various stages of the production process; analysis of phosphate surface coatings; control of the surfaces of specimens for laboratory experiments; and laboratory studies of passivation phenomena.