Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy detection and classification of biological aerosols
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy: A New Approach for Nanoparticle's Mapping and Quantification in Organ Tissue
Published on: June 18, 2014
John D Hybl1, Gregg A Lithgow, Steven G Buckley
1MIT Lincoln Laboratory, 244 Wood Street, Lexington, Massachusetts 02420-9108, USA.
Abstract:
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is examined as a potential method for detecting airborne biological agents. A spectrally broadband LIBS system was used for laboratory measurements on some common biological agent simulants. These measurements were compared to those of common, naturally occurring biological aerosol components (pollen and fungal spores) to determine the potential of LIBS for discriminating biological agents from natural background aerosols. A principal components analysis illustrates that linear combinations of the detected atomic lines, which are present in different ratios in each of the samples tested, can be used to discriminate biological agent simulants from other biological matter. A more sensitive, narrowband LIBS instrument was used to demonstrate the detection of single simulant (Bg) particles in the size range 1-5 microns. Ca, Mg, and Na, which are present in varying concentrations between 0.3 and 11% (by mass) in the Bg particles, were observed in single particles using LIBS.
More Related Videos
08:53Dependence of Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Results on Pulse Energies and Timing Parameters Using Soil Simulants
Published on: September 23, 2013
09:40Measurement and Analysis of Atomic Hydrogen and Diatomic Molecular AlO, C2, CN, and TiO Spectra Following Laser-induced Optical Breakdown
Published on: February 14, 2014
Related Concept Videos
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Overview
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Overview
When irradiated by EMR of a particular wavelength, these...