Expert-Approved XRF Analyzers for LIBS from Metal Analysis Group

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) represents a cutting-edge advancement in material analysis, offering a portable and efficient alternative to traditional Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) methods such as spark OES. LIBS replaces the cumbersome high-voltage AC spark source with a compact, battery-powered pulsed laser, enabling on-the-go analysis in a handheld device measuring just 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches by 1 inch.

The breakthroughs enabling LIBS to measure carbon content in metals are twofold. Firstly, the miniaturization of the laser allows for the creation of a small, battery-operated unit capable of vaporizing high-temperature metals. Crucially, the pulsed nature of the laser, with each pulse lasting just one-billionth of a second, delivers an instantaneous power of about 6 megawatts, facilitating rapid vaporization of the metal to generate the plasma necessary for spectroscopic analysis.

Secondly, LIBS technology significantly reduces argon consumption compared to spark OES, thanks to the narrow diameter of the laser beam. Requiring only a few cubic centimeters of purge volume and a brief purging period during pre-burn, LIBS devices utilize a small argon canister, approximately 1 inch in diameter and 2.5 inches long, housed in the handle. Remarkably, this canister can accommodate up to 600 burns, allowing for the analysis of approximately 200 materials when averaging three burns per site.

In essence, LIBS technology's miniaturization and efficiency revolutionize material analysis by providing a portable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution for accurate carbon measurement in metals, empowering industries with precise insights for quality control and assurance.