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Dependence of Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Results on Pulse Energies and Timing Parameters Using Soil Simulants
Published on: September 23, 2013
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy analysis of complex silicate minerals--beryl
Nancy J McMillan1, Catherine E McManus, Russell S Harmon
1Department of Geological Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA. nmcmilla@nmsu.edu
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
|March 18, 2006
Summary
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) effectively analyzes beryl composition. This method can determine the geographic origin (provenance) of gem-quality beryl samples worldwide.
Area of Science:
- Gemology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Beryl (Be3Al2Si6O18) is a complex, variable gem mineral found globally.
- Accurate compositional analysis is crucial for gem identification and provenance.
- Existing analytical methods may have limitations in speed or precision for beryl.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and optimize a Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) methodology for beryl analysis.
- To minimize analytical variability for consistent beryl specimen assessment.
- To evaluate LIBS's capability in determining the provenance of gem beryl.
Main Methods:
- Developed a specific analytical protocol for beryl using LIBS.
- Optimized parameters: laser energy/pulse (102 mJ) and time delay (2 microseconds).
- Analyzed 96 beryl samples from 16 countries and 10 US states, testing crystallographic orientation effects.
Main Results:
- Achieved minimal coefficient of variance for multiple analyses of the same beryl specimen.
- Identical beryl compositions were measured parallel and perpendicular to the c-axis within analytical error.
- LIBS analysis demonstrated potential for differentiating beryl origins based on composition.
Conclusions:
- Optimized LIBS parameters provide a reliable method for beryl compositional analysis.
- LIBS analysis is accurate regardless of crystallographic orientation relative to the laser.
- LIBS shows promise as a tool for determining the provenance of gem beryl.
