Raman and UVN+LWIR LIBS detection system for in-situ surface chemical identification

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy
• Materials Science

Background:

• Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) in the UVN range provides elemental data, complementing Raman spectroscopy for molecular analysis.
• Comprehensive molecular structure analysis requires probing both vibrational dipole and polarizability responses, necessitating both Raman scattering and mid-IR emission signatures.
• Existing techniques often require sample preparation or lack fieldability for in-situ applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate a novel Long-Wave Infrared Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LWIR LIBS) technique.
• To enable simultaneous acquisition of both UVN and mid-IR spectral signatures for comprehensive chemical analysis.
• To provide a fieldable, in-situ spectroscopic method for rapid molecular structure analysis without sample preparation.

Main Methods:

• Development of LWIR LIBS technology to capture infrared molecular emission signatures from laser-induced plasma.
• Simultaneous triggering of UVN and LWIR spectrometers using a single laser pulse.
• Time-resolved measurements to observe the evolution of atomic and molecular emissions.

Main Results:

• LWIR LIBS successfully captured infrared molecular emission signatures from intact samples.
• Simultaneous UVN and LWIR measurements revealed the dynamic evolution of atomic and molecular emissions within the plasma.
• The technique was effectively applied to characterize mineral and organic compounds in planetary analog samples.

Conclusions:

• LWIR LIBS is a novel, fieldable mid-IR emission spectroscopic technique.
• It offers the combined advantages of UVN LIBS and Raman spectroscopy for in-situ stand-off applications.
• This technique enables rapid and comprehensive molecular structure analysis without sample preparation.