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Chemical taggant detection and analysis by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Steven H Wise1, Jose R Almirall
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and International Forensic Research Institute, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8 Street, Miami, Florida 33199, USA.
Applied Optics
|January 6, 2009
Summary
A new chemical taggant creates a unique elemental fingerprint for object identification. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) offers a practical alternative to laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) for analyzing these tags.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- A novel chemical identification taggant has been developed, providing a unique elemental fingerprint for objects.
- The taggant is a liquid that can be applied easily and analyzed after drying.
- Current analysis relies on laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) as an alternative analytical method for the chemical identification taggant.
- To evaluate the practicality and effectiveness of LIBS compared to LA-ICP-MS for taggant analysis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for taggant analysis.
- Employed a Nd:YAG laser at 266 nm or 1064 nm.
- Used an intensified CCD detector for spectral acquisition.
Main Results:
- LIBS demonstrated excellent discrimination potential for the taggant.
- High sensitivity and repeatability were achieved in the analysis.
- The method successfully analyzed up to 17 rare-earth elements within the taggant.
Conclusions:
- LIBS is a viable and practical alternative to LA-ICP-MS for analyzing the chemical identification taggant.
- The LIBS method offers robust elemental fingerprinting capabilities for object identification and security applications.
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