Simplified LIBS-based intensity-ratio approach for concentration estimation (SLICE): an approach for elemental...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy
• Materials Science

Background:

• Traditional elemental analysis often requires complex calibration curves and multiple spectral lines.
• Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a powerful technique but can be limited by self-absorption and data processing complexity.
• The Boltzmann/Saha-Boltzmann plot method, commonly used in LIBS, necessitates careful spectral line selection and can be computationally intensive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a new, simplified intensity-ratio based approach for elemental analysis using LIBS.
• To demonstrate the method's ability to perform comprehensive elemental analysis with minimal spectral lines.
• To showcase the technique's potential for enhanced accuracy and flexibility in spectral line selection.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel intensity-ratio based quantitative analysis method for LIBS.
• Experimental validation using a nanosecond Nd:YAG pulsed laser (532 nm).
• Analysis of binary and ternary copper alloy samples to demonstrate the technique's efficacy.

Main Results:

• The proposed method requires only n+1 emission lines for a sample with n elemental species, offering flexibility.
• The technique effectively avoids spectral lines prone to self-absorption.
• Experimental results for copper alloys show good agreement with conventional LIBS (CF-LIBS) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS).

Conclusions:

• The new intensity-ratio approach offers a convenient and simplified alternative for elemental analysis via LIBS.
• The method achieves high accuracy through repeated estimations from single measurements.
• This technique provides a flexible and efficient solution for elemental composition determination.