Elemental analysis is a process used to determine the composition of elements within a material. This technology evaluates the presence of specific elements in a sample and how much of each element is present. Optical spectroscopy is the common operating principle used to obtain these results. Results are then analyzed through determining the ratio of elements in a sample and developing a chemical formula that corresponds to that ratio. Elemental analysis is often used in the petroleum industry to determine the presence of sulfur and chlorine in oil, in combustion research to test for carbon and sulfur, and even in food safety to evaluate certain foods for harmful compounds.