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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Dependence of Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Results on Pulse Energies and Timing Parameters Using Soil Simulants
Published on: September 23, 2013
Sequential-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy of high-pressure bulk aqueous solutions
Marion Lawrence-Snyder1, Jon Scaffidi, S Michael Angel
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, USA.
Abstract:
Sequential-pulse (or dual-pulse) laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (DP-LIBS) with an orthogonal spark orientation is described for elemental analysis of bulk aqueous solutions at pressures up to approximately 138 x 10(5) Pa (138 bar). The use of sequential laser pulses for excitation, when compared to single-pulse LIBS excitation (SP-LIBS), provides significant emission intensity enhancements for a wide range of elements in bulk solution and allows additional elements to be measured using LIBS. Our current investigations of high-pressure solutions reveal that increasing solution pressure leads to a significant decrease in DP-LIBS emission enhancements for all elements examined, such that we see little or no emission enhancements for pressures above 100 bar. Observed pressure effects on DP-LIBS enhancements are thought to result from pressure effects on the laser-induced bubble formed by the first laser pulse. These results provide insight into the feasibility and limitations of DP-LIBS for in situ multi-elemental detection in high-pressure aqueous environments like the deep ocean.
