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LIBS: Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Description: A form of atomic emission spectroscopy in which a pulsed laser ablates a small amount of material from the sample's surface, the light from which is captured and analysed by a spectrograph

Recommended Product: Quantel Brilliant

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a type of atomic emission spectroscopy in which a pulsed laser, generally a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, is used as the excitation source.

The output of the laser is focussed onto the surface of the material to be analysed. The high power density at the surface (in excess of 1 Gigawatt per cm2) causes a fraction of a microgramme of material to be ejected from the surface (ablated) and a short-lived, highly luminous plasma is formed.

General LIBS system configuration
A typical LIBS experimental set up. Image courtesy of Applied Photonics .


The ejected material in the plasma dissociates into various ionic and atomic species. As the plasma cools, the excited ions and atoms emit optical radation. This emitted optical radiation is then analysed by a sensitive spectrograph and provides information about the composition of the material.

LIBS spectrum of gold ore
LIBS spectrum of gold ore. Image courtesy of Applied Photonics .


LIBS has many advantages over other techniques as it is virtually non-destructive (only a minute amount of material is ablated) it can be acheived remotely (up to 100m away) and the sample requires no preparation. Because of these advantages, LIBS can be particularly useful when working with hazardous materials or in harsh environments.

We work closely with Applied Photonics , who have succesfully used Big Sky CFR lasers and Quantel Brilliant lasers in their LIBSCAN systems.

For more information about the analytical capabilities of LIBS, please visit Applied Photonics LIBS capabilities page . This is an every-growing database of information of LIBS data and spectra obtained from each element in the periodic table.