LIBS2500 Laser-induced Breakdown Spectrometer Sensing Systems

The LIBS2500 Laser-induced Breakdown Spectrometer Sensing Systems provide real-time qualitative and semi-quantitative measurements of all the elements in solid, liquid and gaseous samples. LIBS gives a near instant answer without sample preparation.  The LIBS2500 is both broadband and high-resolution. This is accomplished with a unique architecture... 7 high resolution spectrometers that run synchronously. The system is gateable to microsecond precision to allow it to look at the optimum portion of a rapidly cooling plasma. When the spectrometers are triggered, they acquire spectral information from 14,336 pixels or wavelengths in 3 milliseconds. Atomic emmission lines from all the elements are present in the 200-980 nm spectra. Optical resolution is ~0.1 nm (FWHM). Powerful software identifies the elemental lines. The intensity of the lines is related to abundance of the element within the sample.

Features

• Broadband, high-resolution spectral analysis (200-980 nm at 0.1 nm resolution)
• Real-time qualitative measurements
• Sensitivity to parts-per-billion and picogram levels is possible
• Applications include materials analysis, environmental monitoring, forensic and biomedical studies, art restoration and more

How the LIBS2500 Systems Work

A high-intensity, pulsed laser beam is focused on the sample area, positioned a few centimeters to a meter from the sample. A single 10 nanosecond-wide laser pulse is all that is needed to excite the sample. When the laser is fired, the high-temperature of the laser creates plasma. As the plasma decays or cools (~1.0 µsec after the laser pulse), excited atoms in the plasma emit light of characteristic wavelengths distinct to the element. All elements emit in the 200-980 nm region. The detection systems use up to seven of our HR2000 High-resolution Miniature Fiber Optic Spectrometers, each with a 2048-element linear CCD array. All spectrometers are triggered to acquire and read out data simultaneously. The detectors in the broadband (200-980 nm) LIBS2500 collect the signal; software included with the system displays the data.

Advantages of Broadband LIBS Techniques

The LIBS2500  Systems provide broadband spectral analysis. Because the systems are noninvasive, users can perform real-time measurements in situ, within hostile industrial, chemical and biochemical environments -- with little or no sample preparation. Since the LIBS2500s utilize Ocean Optics' HR2000 High-resolution Miniature Fiber Optic Spectrometers, the detection systems are portable and can be interfaced to a notebook PC via a USB port.

Applications

The LIBS technique is useful for a variety of applications:

• Environmental monitoring (soil contamination, particulates, heavy metals in plant and animal tissue, toxins)
• Materials analysis (glass, ceramics, refractories, metals, alloys, plastics, diamonds)
• Forensics and biomedical studies (teeth, bones, blood, fibers, hair )
• Military and safety needs (explosive particles, chemical and biological warfare agents)
• Art restoration/conservation (pigments, precious/ancient metals)

How about your application? Call SpectrEcology today to discuss your needs. We can arrange a trial sample analysis, or a visit to a facility for a demonstration. 727.230.1697 or email info@SpectrEcology.com

Laser Needed for LIBS2500

We offer two laser power options from laser industry leader Big Sky Laser Technologies as sources for the LIBS2500. Laser ablation and plasma formation are very specific to the sample matrix, and therefore the power requirements will vary by sample type. For most applications we employ a Q-switched 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser, and for maximum versatility, we recommend a 200 mJ laser with attenuator to adjust the laser power according to the sample matrix. The choice of laser power and wavelength depend on the material being analyzed and the sample’s tolerable damage threshold. The LIBS-LASER is a 50 mJ CFR Nd:YAG laser for metal and thin film samples. The LIBS-LAS200MJ is a 200 mJ CFR Nd:YAG laser for glass and high OH content materials. For liquid samples, contact us about a dual-laser setup, as the high hydrogenation content of the sample tends to quench the initial plasma formation; a second laser is needed to initiate a plasma in the vacuum created by the first laser event.

Additional Features

The LIBS2500 is portable and operates with any 32-bit, USB-compatible Windows PC. The systems interface to a PC via a USB port for easy plug-and-play use. We provide OOILIBS Application Software for operating the LIBS2500 and for firing the laser. With OOILIBS software, the user has spectral-saving and data-logging capabilities. OOICOR Correlation Software -- developed with the University of Florida -- provides instant material identification when using the LIBS2500.

LIBS-SC Sample Chamber

The LIBS-SC Sample Chamber is a key component of a LIBS system and is designed to perform various functions safely and in clear view of the sample. The LIBS-SC has an eyewear-safe enclosure. The chamber has a safety-interlock so the laser will not fire when the door is open. It houses a manually controlled x-y-z stage and provides illumination for the optional LIBS-IM-USB Imaging Module. The LIBS-SC has an inert gas induction port and a suction nozzle to remove particulates. In addition, you have the ability to focus the laser to a 40 µm spot size. The sample chamber is designed for use with the Big Sky Lasers we resell. If you wish to use the LIBS-SC with a different laser, please contact Ocean Optics.

LIBS Imaging Module

The LIBS-IM-USB Imaging Module attaches directly to the LIBS-SC Sample Chamber and enables users to magnify a sample image and to establish precisely a laser ablation target on the sample. The imaging module is well suited to a variety of application areas that include forensics, semiconductor analysis, botany, biomedical analysis, gemology and metallurgy.

The imaging module allows a user to see a magnified image of a sample via a CCD camera and PixeLINK, a Microsoft Windows-based image-capture software application. PixeLINK lets a user capture an image and archive it on the PC’s hard drive with detailed annotations. Captured images are useful for comparison analysis and application record keeping.

The CCD camera used in the module offers pixel resolution of 1280 x 1024. Each pixel is 6.0 µm x 6.0 µm square. The cameras provide frame rates of up to 12.7 frames-per-second at 1280 x 1024 resolution.

The imaging module is powered by the PC and requires no external power; an external power supply is required when using the module with a notebook computer. A power cable is included in the purchase price of each module.

Pricing Information

Ordering a LIBS2500 System is easy and was designed to provide the maximum flexibility so that users can only order what they need. Select a LIBS2500-X system, depending on the wavelength ranges needed for your application. Select the Spectrometer Channels (LIBS-CH-X) to include in the LIBS2500 System. Also specify the fiber bundle that corresponds to the number of channels being ordered. Then select the additional accessories.

LIBS Systems

LIBS Spectrometer Channels

Channels do not have to be consecutive.

Additional LIBS Components

Specifications