Optical diagnostics for metallurgical processes

Many industrially important metallurgical processes are accompanied by the emission of light, the analysis of which often supplies useful information concerning the current state of the process while also providing insight into the details of specific process mechanisms. Optical diagnostic techniques are finding an increasingly wide range of application throughout the metallurgical community. This paper discusses the application of emission spectroscopy and imaging techniques to the analysis of such diverse processes as vacuum arc remelting, laser welding, and arc welding. A discussion of these techniques is presented, addressing such subjects as instrumentation, data analysis, the kind of information available and its potential impact on the selection of process parameters. Special attention is given to discussing the difficulties encountered in applying these diagnostic technologies to /open quotes/real life/close quotes/ processes in non-laboratory environments. 44 refs., 6 figs.