Improving Spatial Resolution by Reinterpreting Dosage for Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Imaging:...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy
• Materials Science

Background:

• Elemental imaging in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) typically uses non-overlapping laser shots.
• This conventional method limits either spatial resolution or sensitivity due to the relationship between ablated material and signal intensity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the experimental applicability of spatially overlapping laser shots in LIBS.
• To compare the overlapping shot approach with the conventional non-overlapping method.
• To determine if overlapping shots can enhance spatial resolution and/or signal intensity.

Main Methods:

• Systematically varying the spacing between laser shots on the sample surface.
• Comparing results from overlapping shots to conventional adjacent, non-overlapping shots.
• Analyzing samples with varying surface layer thicknesses to assess method applicability.

Main Results:

• Spatial resolution can be improved to the single-digit micrometer range with optimized shot spacing.
• Signal intensity shows a linear dependence on the ablated area per shot.
• The overlapping approach enhances signal-to-background ratios, especially with larger spot sizes.
• The method successfully preserves spatial resolution while increasing signal intensity.

Conclusions:

• Spatially overlapping laser shots in LIBS offers a significant advancement over conventional methods.
• This technique allows for simultaneous enhancement of spatial resolution and signal intensity.
• The method is suitable for analyzing diverse sample types, including those with distinct surface layer thicknesses.