Recent Developments in Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, an Analytical Technique for Real-Time, In-The-Field Applications

摘要

The invention of the laser has resulted in many technological spin-offs. One that is emerging as a field-deployable, analytical technique is laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), also sometimes called laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIPS) or laser spark spectroscopy. The technique uses a low-energy pulsed laser (typically tens of millijoules per pulse) to generate a plasma which vaporizes part of the sample. Spectra emitted by the excited species, mostly atoms, are used to develop quantitative and qualitative information about the sample. Targets have traditionally included a variety of gases, liquids, aerosols, and solids, mostly the latter. Applications include sampling iron and steel, soil for contamination, steel around nuclear reactors for degradation, art work for dating, teeth of mummies for evidence of water contamination in the past, and aerosols emitted from smokestacks or in machining operations. In the past five years, new applications have sprung up around sampling of biological materials, planetary exploration, and homeland security. Improved techniques are being developed. LIBS instrumentation is now available commercially.