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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
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Dependence of Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Results on Pulse Energies and Timing Parameters Using Soil Simulants
Published on: September 24, 2013
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy analysis of energetic materials
Frank C De Lucia1, Russell S Harmon, Kevin L McNesby
1U.S. Army Research Laboratory, AMSRL-WM-BD, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21005-5069, USA. fdelucia@arl.army.mil
Applied Optics
|November 5, 2003
Summary
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) can identify energetic materials like explosives and propellants by their unique spectral fingerprints. This non-initiating technique offers accurate detection and identification, even in complex mixtures.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Materials Science
Background:
- Energetic materials and explosives require reliable detection methods.
- Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a potential technique for material analysis.
- Previous studies have explored LIBS for various material identifications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the applicability of LIBS for the identification of diverse energetic materials and explosives.
- To assess the safety of using LIBS by determining if it initiates the materials.
- To explore the spectral characteristics of these materials in air for detection purposes.
Main Methods:
- Samples of energetic materials (e.g., TNT, RDX, C4, propellants) were analyzed using LIBS.
- Laser-produced microplasmas were generated on the material surfaces.
- Spectra obtained from the microplasmas were recorded and analyzed.
- A reference spectral library was used for comparison, particularly for black powder.
- Oxygen (O) and Nitrogen (N) peak ratios in the LIBS spectra were compared to atmospheric ratios.
Main Results:
- Each energetic material produced a unique and reproducible LIBS spectrum.
- The laser-induced microplasma did not initiate any of the energetic materials tested.
- LIBS demonstrated high accuracy in identifying unknown black powder and its components using a spectral library.
- Nitrogen- and oxygen-rich energetic materials showed distinct O:N peak ratios in their LIBS spectra compared to air.
Conclusions:
- LIBS is a safe and effective method for the identification of a wide range of energetic materials and explosives.
- The unique spectral signatures and distinct O:N ratios provide a basis for accurate detection and identification.
- LIBS offers a valuable tool for the analysis and potential field detection of hazardous energetic materials.
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