Evaluation of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy for multielemental determination in soils under sewage sludge application

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is an atomic emission spectroscopy technique for simple, direct and clean analysis, with great application potential in environmental sustainability studies. In a single LIBS spectrum it is possible to obtain qualitative information on the sample composition. However, quantitative analysis requires a reliable model for analytical calibration. Multilayer perceptron (MLP), an artificial neural network, is a multivariate technique that is capable of learning to recognize features from examples. Therefore MLP can be used as a calibration model for analytical determinations. Accordingly, the present study proposes to evaluate the traditional linear fit and MLP models for LIBS calibration, in order to attain a quantitative multielemental method for contaminant determination in soil under sewage sludge application. Two sets of samples, both composed of two kinds of soils were used for calibration and validation, respectively. The analyte concentrations in these samples, used as reference, were determined by a reference analytical method using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). The LIBS-MLP was compared to a LIBS-linear fit method. The values determined by LIBS-MLP showed lower prediction errors, correlation above 98% with values determined by ICP OES, higher accuracy and precision, lower limits of detection and great application potential in the analysis of different kinds of soils.     

Strategies for the identification of urinary calculus by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

The present work studies two different strategies to identify urinary calculus. On one hand, (linear or parametric and rank or non-parametric) correlation methods using a μ-LIBS system are studied. On the other hand, elemental ratios of reference materials are determined by using a higher-energy laser and an Echelle spectrograph with an ICCD camera, although without microscope. A data-treatment method was applied for each system and real samples of kidney stones - previously analyzed by IR spectroscopy - were used for reliable evaluation of two identification strategies.     

An evaluation of the analytical performance of collinear multi-pulse laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

A detailed study of the relevant analytical figures of merit for time- and spatially integrated multi-pulse laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (MP-LIBS) was performed. Laser bursts containing up to 6, ns-range duration collinear pulses, separated by 20–40 μs interpulse gaps were used in the experiments, and the effect of the number of pulses within the burst on the analytical parameters was investigated. Signal enhancement, repeatability, matrix effects, background signals, sensitivity, linear dynamic range and limits of detection were studied for 20 lines of 11 elements in different solid matrices. It was established that all analytical figures of merit significantly improved with respect to those of single- or double-pulse LIBS as a result of the use of multiple laser pulses. For example, six-pulse limits of detection values were found to be with a factor of 4.2–16.7 lower than for double-pulses and calibration plots were found to be linear up to several tens of percents concentrations in some alloys.     

Double pulse laser induced breakdown spectroscopy: Experimental study of lead emission intensity dependence on the wavelengths and sample matrix

Lead (Pb) emission intensity (atomic line 405.78 nm) dependence on the sample matrix (metal alloy) was studied by means of collinear double pulse (DP)-laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The measurement of the emission intensity produced by three different wavelength combinations (i.e. I:532 nm–II:1064 nm, I:532 nm–II:532 nm, and I:532 nm–II:355 nm) from three series of standard reference materials showed that the lead atomic line 405.78 nm emission intensity was dependent on the sample matrix for all the combination of wavelengths, however reduced dependency was found for the wavelength combination I:532 nm–II:355 nm.     

Quantitative analysis of arsenic in mine tailing soils using double pulse-laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

A double pulse-laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (DP-LIBS) was used to determine arsenic (As) concentration in 16 soil samples collected from 5 different mine tailing sites in Korea. We showed that the use of double pulse laser led to enhancements of signal intensity (by 13% on average) and signal-to-noise ratio of As emission lines (by 165% on average) with smaller relative standard deviation compared to single pulse laser approach. We believe this occurred because the second laser pulse in the rarefied atmosphere produced by the first pulse led to the increase of plasma temperature and populations of exited levels. An internal standardization method using a Fe emission line provided a better correlation and sensitivity between As concentration and the DP-LIBS signal than any other elements used. The Fe was known as one of the major components in current soil samples, and its concentration varied not substantially. The As concentration determined by the DP-LIBS was compared with that obtained by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) to evaluate the current LIBS system. They are correlated with a correlation coefficient of 0.94. The As concentration by the DP-LIBS was underestimated in the high concentration range (>1000 mg-As/kg). The loss of sensitivity that occurred at high concentrations could be explained by self-absorption in the generated plasma.     

Preliminary evaluation of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy for slurry samples

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was applied to the analysis of simulant slurry samples used in the vitrification process of liquid radioactive wastes. A spectroscopic analysis was performed by two different detection systems: Czerny-Turner spectrometer coupled with intensified diode array detector (IDAD) and an Echelle spectrometer with intensified charge coupled device (ICCD). For the Czerny-Turner detection system, the normalized intensity method, which is the normalization of the atomic emission intensity by the released whole plasma emission area intensity, was employed to improve the reproducibility of LIBS signals. The Echelle detection system showed a high efficiency in simultaneous multi-element detection and determination of the physical quantities of the simulant.     

Evaluation of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy for the determination of micronutrients in plant materials

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been evaluated for the determination of micronutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) in pellets of plant materials, using NIST, BCR and GBW biological certified reference materials for analytical calibration. Pellets of approximately 2 mm thick and 15 mm diameter were prepared by transferring 0.5 g of powdered material to a 15 mm die set and applying 8.0 tons cm^− 2. An experimental setup was designed by using a Nd:YAG laser operating at 1064 nm (200 mJ per pulse, 10 Hz) and an Echelle spectrometer with ICCD detector. Repeatability precision varied from 4 to 30% from measurements obtained in 10 different positions (8 laser shots per test portion) in the same sample pellet. Limits of detection were appropriate for routine analysis of plant materials and were 2.2 mg kg^− 1 B, 3.0 mg kg^− 1 Cu, 3.6 mg kg^− 1 Fe, 1.8 mg kg^− 1 Mn and 1.2 mg kg^− 1 Zn. Analysis of different plant samples were carried out by LIBS and results were compared with those obtained by ICP OES after wet acid decomposition.     

Simultaneous optimization by neuro-genetic approach for analysis of plant materials by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

A simultaneous optimization strategy based on a neuro-genetic approach is proposed for selection of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy operational conditions for the simultaneous determination of macro-nutrients (Ca, Mg and P), micro-nutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn), Al and Si in plant samples. A laser induced breakdown spectroscopy system equipped with a 10 Hz Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (12 ns, 532 nm, 140 mJ) and an Echelle spectrometer with intensified coupled-charge device was used. Integration time gate, delay time, amplification gain and number of pulses were optimized. Pellets of spinach leaves (NIST 1570a) were employed as laboratory samples. In order to find a model that could correlate laser induced breakdown spectroscopy operational conditions with compromised high peak areas of all elements simultaneously, a Bayesian Regularized Artificial Neural Network approach was employed. Subsequently, a genetic algorithm was applied to find optimal conditions for the neural network model, in an approach called neuro-genetic. A single laser induced breakdown spectroscopy working condition that maximizes peak areas of all elements simultaneously, was obtained with the following optimized parameters: 9.0 µs integration time gate, 1.1 µs delay time, 225 (a.u.) amplification gain and 30 accumulated laser pulses. The proposed approach is a useful and a suitable tool for the optimization process of such a complex analytical problem.     

Identification and discrimination of bacterial strains by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy and neural networks

A method based on laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and neural networks (NNs) has been developed and applied to the identification and discrimination of specific bacteria strains (Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium). Instant identification of the samples is achieved using a spectral library, which was obtained by analysis using a single laser pulse of representative samples and treatment by neural networks. The samples used in this study were divided into three groups, which were prepared on three different days. The results obtained allow the identification of the bacteria tested with a certainty of over 95%, and show that only a difference between the bacteria can cause identification. Single-shot measurements were sufficient for clear identification of the bacterial strains studied. The method can be developed for automatic real time, fast, reliable and robust measurements and can be packaged in portable systems for non-specialist users.     

用激光诱导击穿光谱在空气中定量测量土壤中氮元素方法的研究-基于CN分子谱线

土壤中氮元素的快速检测在现代农业中有重要意义,传统方法前处理复杂不适合现场快速检测。激光诱导击穿光谱法已被证明可以用来对土壤中的元素进行检测,但对于土壤中的氮元素检测,如何规避大气环境中氮气的影响是不可回避的问题。提出了一种基于激光诱导击穿光谱法的空气中土壤全氮检测方法,通过对不同土壤标准样品的CN(388.3nm)分子特征谱线对比分析并建立了分析模型,结果显示,可以很好地规避大气中氮元素的影响,其检出限小于0.14%。对比于N(746.8nm)处的原子特征峰在空气中和氩气中的分析结果,其优势非常明显。     

Double pulse laser ablation and laser induced breakdown spectroscopy: A modeling investigation

A numerical model, describing laser–solid interaction (i.e., metal target heating, melting and vaporization), vapor plume expansion, plasma formation and laser–plasma interaction, is applied to describe the effects of double pulse (DP) laser ablation and laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Because the model is limited to plume expansion times in the order of (a few) 100 ns in order to produce realistic results, the interpulse delay times are varied between 10 and 100 ns, and the results are compared to the behavior of a single pulse (SP) with the same total energy. It is found that the surface temperature at the maximum is a bit lower in the DP configuration, because of the lower irradiance of one laser pulse, but it remains high during a longer time, because it rises again upon the second laser pulse. Consequently, the target remains for a longer time in the molten state, which suggests that laser ablation in the DP configuration might be more efficient, through the mechanism of splashing of the molten target. The total laser absorption in the plasma is also calculated to be clearly lower in the DP configuration, so that more laser energy can reach the target and give rise to laser ablation. Finally, it is observed that the plume expansion dynamics is characterized by two separate waves, the first one originating from the first laser pulse, and the second (higher) one as a result of the second laser pulse. Initially, the plasma temperature and electron density are somewhat lower than in the SP case, due to the lower energy of one laser pulse. However, they rise again upon the second laser pulse, and after 200 ns, they are therefore somewhat higher than in the SP case. This is especially true for the longer interpulse delay times, and it is expected that these trends will be continued for longer delay times in the μs-range, which are most typically used in DP LIBS, resulting in more intense emission intensities.     

Evaluation of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy for the determination of macronutrients in plant materials

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has become an analytical tool for the direct analysis of a large variety of materials in order to provide qualitative and/or quantitative information. However, there is a lack of information for LIBS analysis of agricultural and environmental samples. In this work a LIBS system has been evaluated for the determination of macronutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg) in pellets of vegetal reference materials. An experimental setup was designed by using a Nd:YAG laser operating at 1064 nm and an Echelle spectrometer with ICCD detector. The plasma temperature was estimated by Boltzmann plots and instrumental parameters such as delay time, lens-to-sample distance and pulse energy were evaluated. Certified reference materials as well as reference materials were used for analytical calibrations of P, K, Ca, and Mg. Most results of the direct analysis of plant samples by LIBS were in reasonable agreement with those obtained by ICP OES after wet acid decomposition.     

Accurate quantitative analysis of gold alloys using multi-pulse laser induced breakdown spectroscopy and a correlation-based calibration method

Multi-pulse laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), in combination with the generalized linear correlation calibration method (GLCM), was applied to the quantitative analysis (fineness determination) of quaternary gold alloys. Accuracy and precision on the order of a few thousandths (‰) was achieved. The analytical performance is directly comparable to that of the standard cupellation method (fire assay), but provides results within minutes and is virtually non-destructive, as it consumes only a few micrograms of the sample.     

Calculation and optimization of sample identification by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy via correlation analysis

Linear correlation analysis may be used as a technique for the identification of samples with a very similar chemical composition by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy. The spectrum of the “unknown” sample is correlated with a library of reference spectra. The probability of identification by single shot analysis can be estimated by the method described in this paper. When a right identification is not obtained by single shot correlation analysis the accuracy can be increased by averaging spectra or by averaging the correlation coefficients. The number of spectra or correlation coefficients to be averaged to obtain a 99.9% right identification is evaluated. We found out that the number of spectra to be averaged is equal to the number of correlation coefficients to be averaged. The benefit of using averaged spectra over averaging correlation coefficients is a faster calculation.     

Influence of pulse-to-pulse delay for 532 nm double-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy of technical polymers

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is an emerging technique for fast and accurate compositional analysis of many different materials. We present a systematic study of collinear double-pulse LIBS on different technical polymers such as polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene etc. Polymer samples were ablated in air by single-pulse and double-pulse Nd:YAG laser radiation (8 ns pulse duration) and spectra were recorded with an Echelle spectrometer equipped with an ICCD camera. We investigated the evolution of atomic and ionic line emission intensities for different delay times between the laser pulses (from 20 ns to 500 μs) at a laser wavelength of 532 nm. We observed double-pulse LIBS signals that were enhanced as compared to single-pulse measurements depending on the delay time and the type of polymer material investigated. LIBS signals of polymer materials that are enhanced by double-pulse excitation may be useful for monitoring the concentration of heavy metals in polymer materials.     

Determination of phosphorus in steel by the combined technique of laser induced breakdown spectrometry with laser induced fluorescence spectrometry

Laser induced breakdown spectrometry (LIBS) combined with laser induced fluorescence spectrometry (LIFS) has been applied for detection of trace-level phosphorus in steel. The plasma induced by irradiation of Nd:YAG laser pulse for ablation was illuminated by the 3rd harmonic of Ti:Sapphire laser tuned to one of the resonant lines for phosphorus in the wavelength region of 253–256 nm. An excitation line for phosphorus was selected to give the highest signal-to-noise ratio. Fluorescence signals, P213.62 and P214.91 nm, were observed with high selectivity at the contents as low as several tens µg g^− 1. Fluorescence intensities were in a good linear correlation with the contents. Fluorescence intensity ratio of a collisionally assisted line (213.62 nm) to a direct transition line (214.91 nm) was discussed in terms of the analytical conditions and experimental results were compared with a calculation based on rate equations. Since the fluorescence signal light in the wavelength range longer than 200 nm can be transmitted relatively easily, even through fiber optics of moderate length, LIBS/LIFS would be a versatile technique in on-site applications for the monitoring of phosphorus contents in steel.     

Detection of heavy metals in Arabian crude oil residue using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was applied for the elemental analysis of Arabian crude oil residue samples. The spectra due to trace elements such as Ca, Fe, Mg, Cu, Zn, Na, Ni, K and Mo were recorded using this technique. The dependence of time delay and laser beam energy on the elemental spectra was also investigated. Prior to quantitative analysis, the LIBS system was calibrated using standard samples containing these trace elements. The results achieved through this method were compared with conventional technique like inductively coupled plasma.     

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy as a tool for discrimination of glass for forensic applications

Materials analysis and characterization can provide important information as evidence in legal proceedings. The potential of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for the discrimination of glass fragments for forensic applications is presented here. The proposed method is based on the fact that glass materials can be characterized by their unique spectral fingerprint. Taking advantage of the multielement detection capability and minimal to no sample preparation of LIBS, we compared glass spectra from car windows using linear and rank correlation methods. Linear correlation combined with the use of a spectral mask, which eliminates some high-intensity emission lines from the major elements present in glass, provides effective identification and discrimination at a 95% confidence level.