In Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES), the full form of SAG is "Self-Absorption Gradient."
**Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES)** is an analytical technique used to determine the composition of a sample by measuring the light emitted from atoms or ions in a sample when it is excited. This excitation is usually achieved using a high-energy source such as a plasma or an arc.
**Self-Absorption Gradient (SAG)** refers to a phenomenon where the emitted light from the excited atoms or ions in the sample is partially absorbed by the same sample. This absorption can affect the accuracy of the analysis, particularly when the concentration of the analyte is high. The SAG represents how the absorption of the emitted light changes as a function of the concentration or depth within the sample.
In practical terms, SAG can lead to errors in quantitative analysis because it can alter the intensity of the emitted light that reaches the detector, potentially skewing the results. To mitigate this, corrections or calibrations are often applied to account for self-absorption effects, ensuring more accurate readings and interpretations of the sample's composition.