ASTM E356-78 (1996) PDF

Full title and description

Designation: E 356 – 78 (Reapproved 1996). Standard Practice — Practices for Describing and Specifying the Spectrograph. The document lists and describes spectrograph features important to spectrochemical analysis and gives methods for measuring and specifying performance parameters to aid evaluation and comparison of spectrographs.

Approved Feb 24, 1978; reapproved and issued in 1996 as E356‑78 (reapproved 1996). The practice is informational and intended to guide authors of analytical procedures rather than establish binding tolerances.

Abstract

This short practice identifies spectrograph components and performance characteristics (dispersing element, dispersion, resolving power, slit geometry, wavelength coverage, camera capacity, illumination optics, ghosting/scattered light, and test methods) that should be described or specified when documenting spectrographic instrumentation used for spectrochemical analysis. It emphasizes measurement methods and indicative values for acceptable performance to facilitate evaluation and comparison of instruments.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / Historical (document shown as withdrawn in ASTM catalogs; made historical in subsequent listings).
• Publication date: Reapproved/issued 1996 (document header shows 09–10 Oct 1996); originally approved Feb 24, 1978 (published May 1978).
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 17.180.30 — Optical measuring instruments; Committee E01 (Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials).
• Edition / version: E 356 – 78 (Reapproved 1996).
• Number of pages: 6 pages.

Scope

The practice lists and covers features of spectrographs important to spectrochemical analysis to aid in evaluating and comparing instruments. It is not intended to create binding specifications but to call attention to parameters, suggest measurement methods, and, where appropriate, indicate values representative of acceptable performance. Users are advised to establish their own safety and regulatory practices before use.

Key topics and requirements

• Identification of dispersing elements (prism, grating, echelle) and their key parameters (material, groove density, blaze, ruled area).
• Dispersion and linear reciprocal dispersion specification and reporting (e.g., Å/mm) across critical wavelength regions.
• Resolving power and working resolution — definitions and recommended measurement approaches.
• Slit geometry (width, height, adjustable/fixed, uni- or bilateral) and its effect on resolution and throughput.
• Wavelength coverage and single‑setting photographic/recording range.
• Camera/film/plate accommodation and related imaging specifications.
• Illuminating system and external optics considerations (lenses, apertures, relay optics) and reciprocity/ghosting tests.
• Suggested test methods and examples for comparative speed, resolution, and ghost-line intensity checks.

Typical use and users

Used as a reference by spectrochemical analysts, laboratory managers, instrument manufacturers, method developers, procurement specialists, and quality personnel who need a concise checklist of spectrograph features and measurable performance parameters when documenting, comparing, specifying, or qualifying optical emission spectrographs for analytical work.

Related standards

The practice references related ASTM documents for photographic processing and terminology used in spectrochemical work (for example, ASTM practices on photographic processing and photometry and terminology standards such as E115, E116, and E135 as cited in the practice). For current cross‑references and any successor or replacement standards, consult ASTM International.

Keywords

spectrograph; spectrochemical analysis; optical emission spectrograph; dispersing element; grating; prism; resolving power; dispersion; slit; wavelength coverage; spectrograph specification; instrument comparison; test methods.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E356‑78 (reapproved 1996) is a short practice that describes how to define and specify the important components and performance characteristics of a spectrograph for spectrochemical analysis.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the descriptive parameters and suggested measurement methods for spectrograph components (dispersing element, dispersion, resolution, slit, camera, illumination, wavelength coverage, ghosting/scattered light) and gives examples and indicative values to help evaluate and compare instruments.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Spectrochemical analysts, instrument manufacturers, laboratory personnel, method authors, procurement and quality staff—anyone who needs to document, compare, or specify spectrograph performance for analytical work.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The practice is shown as withdrawn/historical in catalog listings (withdrawn in the early 2000s and later listed as historical/superseded in secondary catalogs). Users who need current requirements or replacements should consult ASTM International for the latest active standards and any specific successor documents.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It was published under Committee E01 (Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials) and cross‑references other E01 practices (photographic processing, photometry, and terminology). It functions as a short, standalone practice within the suite of spectrochemical analytical practices.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: spectrograph, spectrochemical analysis, dispersing element, dispersion, resolving power, slit geometry, wavelength coverage, instrument specification.