This grant is in the general area of analytical and surface chemistry and in the subfield of atomic spectroscopy. Professor Scheeline's project aims to optimize a sample introduction method for atomic spectroscopy that would quantify the analysis of alloys. An electronic array detector will be used to measure spatially, temporally and spectrally the light emission and light scattering from spark discharges of metal alloys. By determining these parameters the use of this sample system will be optimized with respect to precision and accuracy in metal alloy analysis.