Spectrometers are fundamental tools in both scientific research and industry. Answering the question “what are spectrometers,” they are instruments that measure and analyze radiation or particles to obtain information about the composition of a sample.
Thanks to spectrometers, today it is possible to characterize materials, ensure product quality, analyze metal alloys, develop new drugs, and monitor the environment. In this article, we will explain what spectrometers are, how they work, their main types, practical applications, and the latest innovations in the field.
Spectrometers: meaning and working principle
In general, a spectrometer is an instrument that measures and analyzes electromagnetic radiation (such as visible light, ultraviolet, or infrared) or charged particles (ions). From the way radiation interacts with matter, the spectrometer provides information on the chemical and physical composition of the sample.
Main types of spectrometers
Spectrometers are not all the same: depending on the physical principle they rely on, different categories can be distinguished.
Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometers
TOF (Time of Flight) spectrometers measure the time ions take to travel a certain distance. Since the time is related to the mass-to-charge ratio, this method makes it possible to identify ionic species with high accuracy. They are widely used in organic chemistry, molecular biology, and advanced research.
Double-Focusing Spectrometers
This type combines electric and magnetic fields to separate ions with extreme precision. The result is high-resolution analysis, useful in areas where detailed data are required, such as geochemistry or nuclear research.
Fourier Transform Spectrometers
FT (Fourier Transform) spectrometers use Fourier transform to obtain highly precise spectra. They are mainly used in infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), where spectral accuracy is crucial.
Magnetic Spectrometers
Magnetic spectrometers use magnetic fields to deflect ions according to their mass-to-charge ratio. They were among the first developed instruments and remain essential in basic research and isotopic analysis.
Optical Spectrometers
Optical spectrometers analyze visible, UV, and infrared light, allowing identification of elements in a sample through emitted or absorbed wavelengths. They are widely used in industry, research, and quality control.
Dimensional Spectrometers
Dimensional spectrometers are used in metrology and industrial quality control, capable of precisely measuring dimensions and geometries of objects through the analysis of light waves or particles.
Spectrometers for metals: fast and accurate analysis
A highly relevant field of application is metal spectrometers, instruments that determine the chemical composition of alloys quickly and accurately.
GNR is a leader in this sector, offering a full range of optical emission spectrometers designed for foundries and metallurgical industries. With these instruments, companies can ensure constant quality control, minimize errors, and optimize production processes.
GNR Optical Emission Spectrometers
GNR provides a complete line of optical emission spectrometers (OES), known for their precision, reliability, and ease of use. These instruments enable rapid analysis of steels, cast irons, and non-ferrous alloys, meeting the needs of foundries, steelworks, and quality control laboratories.
Some representative models include:
- S3 Minilab 300: a compact and versatile spectrometer, ideal for fast and accurate analyses even in limited spaces.
- S7 Metal Lab: designed for high-performance multi-element analyses, widely used in industrial applications.
- S6 Sirius 500: a next-generation spectrometer engineered to deliver maximum precision and analytical stability in multi-element analysis of steels, cast irons, and non-ferrous alloys.
Learn more about the range of GNR optical emission spectrometers
Practical applications of spectrometers
Spectrometers have a wide range of uses. Some of the main application areas include:
- Scientific research: characterization of materials and new substances.
- Biology and medicine: protein studies, DNA analysis, diagnostics.
- Pharmaceutical industry: drug development and quality control.
- Food safety: detection of contaminants and traceability.
- Metallurgy: alloy analysis and material certification.
- Environment: monitoring of water, air, and soil.
The latest innovations in spectrometry
Technology is making spectrometers increasingly compact, accessible, and powerful. Some recent developments include:
- Miniaturized spectrometers: researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a prototype as small as a smartphone chip, capable of analysis in less than a millisecond, covering UV to near-infrared (source).
- Portable and wearable spectrometers: compact devices for medical and environmental applications, bringing spectral analysis outside the laboratory (source).
- Next-generation mass spectrometers: Thermo Fisher introduced advanced instruments such as the Orbitrap Astral Zoom MS and Excedion Pro MS, designed to revolutionize biomedical and omics research (source).
The future of spectrometers between industry and sustainability
Spectrometers also play a key role in the ecological transition:
- monitoring industrial emissions,
- analyzing recycled materials,
- reducing waste in production processes.
At ASMS 2025, it was emphasized that sustainability is no longer optional but an operational imperative in the design of scientific instruments, with focus on energy efficiency and cost savings (source).
A concrete example is the opening of a new laboratory at Chalmers University (Sweden), equipped with next-generation FT-ICR spectrometers dedicated to sustainable materials research (source).
FAQ
1) What are spectrometers and what are they used for?
The word spectrometers includes very different instruments, all sharing the ability to measure how radiation (light, X-rays, infrared, UV) or particles interact with matter. Depending on the physical principle, spectrometers are used to analyze the chemical composition of samples, identify substances, characterize materials, perform quality control, certify metal alloys, or monitor the environment.
2) What is the difference between a mass spectrometer and an optical emission spectrometer?
A mass spectrometer (MS) measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions and is widely used in chemistry, biology, medicine, and advanced research.
An optical emission spectrometer (OES) analyzes the light emitted by excited atoms in a sample, typically metals and alloys. It is widely used in metallurgy and foundries because it enables fast, precise, and multi-element analyses directly on metallic materials.
3) What is a double-focusing spectrometer?
This is a type of mass spectrometer that combines magnetic and electric fields to achieve very high resolution. It allows ions to be separated with extreme precision, reducing interferences and improving data quality. It is mainly used in geochemistry, nuclear research, and advanced analysis where highly detailed measurements are required.
4) What is a “metal spectrometer” and where can it be purchased?
A metal spectrometer usually refers to an optical emission spectrometer (OES) designed to analyze steels, cast irons, and non-ferrous alloys. These instruments are essential in foundries, steel plants, and quality control laboratories.
They are purchased from specialized companies in scientific instrumentation. For example, GNR is one of the leading manufacturers, offering a complete range of spectrometers for metal analysis.
5) How much does a metal spectrometer cost?
The price depends on the model, required performance, and configuration options. In general, a metal spectrometer can cost from several tens of thousands of euros up to over one hundred thousand euros for high-end systems. The cost should be seen as an investment that ensures rapid analysis, reduced waste, and greater efficiency in production processes.
