Novel Applications of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy
• Materials Science

Background:

• Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a powerful analytical technique.
• Recent reviews have broadly covered LIBS principles and applications.
• This review focuses on specific recent developments and applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe recent and novel laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) applications and developments.
• To summarize updates in calibration-free LIBS (CF-LIBS) and quantification improvements.
• To review emerging LIBS applications in various fields.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature and conference proceedings (NASLIBS 2015).
• Focus on calibration-free LIBS (CF-LIBS) and plasma characteristic utilization.
• Analysis of molecular features and indirect measurement applications.

Main Results:

• Updates on CF-LIBS and quantification using plasma characteristics.
• Exploration of molecular features for organic materials and halogens.
• LIBS applications for indirect measurements (pH, humification, heating value) and analysis of agricultural materials, coal, minerals, and metals.

Conclusions:

• LIBS technology continues to advance with improved quantification and broader applications.
• Novel approaches, including molecular feature analysis and indirect measurements, expand LIBS capabilities.
• Emerging techniques like spatially heterodyne spectroscopy aim to overcome current limitations.