Glow discharges have gone a long and diverted way in analytical chemistry. From first applications as hollow cathode discharge lamps in atomic absorption spectrometry to solid sampling GDOES and GDMS as an essential tool in metals and semiconductor industry and materials research. From first experiments of solution cathode and atmospheric plasma discharges as well as micro plasmas in optical and mass spectrometry to a very promising tool for future environmental monitoring and organic mass spectrometry.

In this lecture the history of glow discharges will be briefly touched, the present will be described and outlook on possible future significance will be given.