Self-Calibrated Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for the Quantitative Elemental Analysis of Suspended Volcanic...

Area of Science:

• Geochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Volcanology

Background:

• Volcanic ash analysis is vital for monitoring eruptions and assessing hazards.
• Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) offers potential for in-situ analysis in extreme environments.
• Existing methods for chemical characterization of volcanic ash can be time-consuming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the elemental composition of suspended volcanic ash using LIBS.
• To establish optimal experimental conditions for LIBS analysis of ash particles of varying sizes.
• To validate a self-calibrated LIBS approach for quantitative analysis of volcanic ash.

Main Methods:

• Volcanic ash samples were suspended in air using laser-induced shockwaves.
• Parametric studies were conducted to optimize LIBS plasma emission spectra acquisition.
• Self-calibrated LIBS, including calibration-free LIBS, was employed for quantitative analysis.
• Intensity calibration using Fe lines was used to determine apparatus response, avoiding external calibration lamps.

Main Results:

• LIBS experiments successfully determined the elemental composition of suspended volcanic ash.
• The self-calibrated LIBS method effectively accounted for self-absorption effects.
• Optimal experimental conditions were established for different ash sizes.
• Results showed good agreement with established literature values for volcanic ash composition.

Conclusions:

• Real-time elemental analysis of volcanic ash using LIBS is feasible and effective.
• Self-calibrated LIBS provides a robust method for quantitative chemical characterization.
• This technique holds significant potential for enhancing volcano monitoring and hazard assessment.