Analysis of metals at a distance using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Journal Article · Fri May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1987 · Appl. Spectrosc.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1366/0003702874448742· OSTI ID:6510597

Cremers, D A

Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) has been used to provide a rapid analysis of metals at distances between 0.5 and 2.4 m from the focusing lens and light-collection optics. The laser sparks were generated with the use of pulses from a Nd:YAG laser, and the spark light was collected by the use of a fiber optic cable. The wide acceptance angle of the cable relaxed the constraint that the spark be formed at precise location for maximum light-collection efficiency and allowed the detection system to be placed remote from the sample. The identification of the main elemental component of eight metals using lines over a 40-nm spectral region was demonstrated by the use of a single laser pulse to record each spectrum. The accuracy and precision of analysis of the minor constituents of steel were determined, and the effect of surface contamination was examined. The application of LIBS to some industrial monitoring situations is discussed.

• Research Organization: Chemical and Laser Sciences Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545
• OSTI ID: 6510597
• Journal Information: Appl. Spectrosc.; (United States), Vol. 41:4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC
ORGANIC
PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
EMISSION SPECTROSCOPY
STEELS
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
REMOTE SENSING
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
LASER-PRODUCED PLASMA
MONITORING
NEODYMIUM LASERS
PROCESSING
SURFACE CONTAMINATION
ALLOYS
CONTAMINATION
IRON ALLOYS
IRON BASE ALLOYS
LASERS
PLASMA
SOLID STATE LASERS
SPECTROSCOPY
400102* - Chemical & Spectral Procedures