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Double Pulse RLIBS: A New Approach for Sensitive and Quasi-Non-Destructive Sample Analysis
Ismail Elhamdaoui1, Samira Selmani1, Paul Bouchard2
1Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, 1650 Lionel-Boulet Blvd., Varennes, Quebec J3X 1P7, Canada.
Analytical Chemistry
|May 6, 2026
Summary
A new double-pulse resonance laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (DP-RLIBS) method offers highly sensitive trace element detection with minimal sample damage. This advanced technique significantly outperforms conventional LIBS for analyzing delicate materials.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Materials Science
Background:
- Conventional laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) can cause significant sample damage, limiting its use for delicate analyses.
- High sensitivity for trace element detection is crucial in various scientific and industrial applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a novel regime of double-pulse resonance laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (DP-RLIBS).
- To evaluate the sensitivity and sample-damaging characteristics of DP-RLIBS compared to conventional LIBS.
- To demonstrate the potential of DP-RLIBS for trace element analysis in copper samples.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a dual-pulse laser system where one pulse ablates the sample surface and a second, delayed pulse excites the generated vapor.
- Analyzing trace elements lead and iron in copper matrices using specific excitation and fluorescence wavelengths.
- Comparing DP-RLIBS performance (limit of detection, calibration linearity) with conventional LIBS.
- Assessing sample integrity using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after multiple laser shots.
Main Results:
- DP-RLIBS achieved ultra-low limits of detection: 0.6 ppm for lead and 0.8 ppm for iron.
- Conventional LIBS showed significantly higher limits of detection (85 ppm for lead) under identical energy and shot conditions.
- DP-RLIBS demonstrated excellent linearity for lead (0-1100 ppm) and quadratic behavior for iron (0-2100 ppm).
- SEM analysis confirmed no discernible sample damage with DP-RLIBS even after 10,000 shots, unlike conventional LIBS.
Conclusions:
- DP-RLIBS represents a significant advancement for highly sensitive trace element detection.
- The technique offers virtually non-destructive analysis, ideal for sensitive or valuable samples.
- DP-RLIBS surpasses conventional LIBS in sensitivity and minimal sample alteration, opening new analytical possibilities.
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