Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a powerful rapid chemical analysis technique that combines automated laser micro-sampling with an optical emission spectrograph to characterize relative element abundances and element distribution in solid samples.

LIBS uses a focused high-energy pulsed laser to remove nanograms to picograms of material as the laser passes over a sample surface. The laser causes the formation of a micro-plasma that atomizes and ionizes the sample material, which rapidly undergoes expansion and cooling. During this time, the atomized and ionized elements present in the plasma produce characteristic light emission lines in the near infrared to deep ultraviolet range. A spectrometer is located above the sample stage, and allows for simultaneous acquisition of the entire wavelength range produced by all present elements. The indirect measurement of sample composition by the spectrometer makes LIBS particularly powerful for atmosphere sensitive samples and is currently in use by NASA’s Mars rovers.