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.
LIBS is particularly useful for depth analysis, as the laser can be re-focused on the same location of a sample surface and provide depth profiling at a resolution of 100’s of nanometers per pass, depending on the sample matrix. In addition, a range of laser spot sizes is available (~20-200 µm), and a sub-micron resolution motorized sample stage allows for the laser to scan over a sample surface, providing spatially resolvable elemental maps, allowing for multivariate statistical analysis. LIBS can detect any naturally occurring element down to down to parts-per-million levels, depending on the sample matrix.
Ideal Uses of LIBS
Rapidly survey chemical composition of solid materials
Elemental distribution analysis and micron-scale mapping of trace elements
Depth profiling
Strengths
Direct elemental analysis of any solid material
Analysis without pre-preparation
Analysis of atmosphere sensitive materials
Spatial distribution analysis/mapping
All elements detectable
Limitations
Strong matrix effects on emission spectra
Matrix-matched reference materials must be analyzed alongside samples for quantitative analysis
Would you like to learn more about using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy?
Contact us today for your Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) needs at +1 800-366-3867 or please complete the form below to have an EAG expert contact you.
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