Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy on Solution Samples Using Surface Excitation

Author

Leonard M. Berman

Date of Award

12-1996

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Engineering Physics

First Advisor

Paul J. Wolf, PhD

Abstract

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a spectroscopic technique where output from a pulsed laser is focused onto a target in order to create an intense plasma. The optical emission is characteristic of the elements in the focal volume and can be used for elemental analysis. Research on the detection of nickel in solution in addition to solvent detection of CCl₄, CHCl₃, C2Cl₄, and C2HCl₃ has been performed. Breakdown was formed at the sample surface via a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Initially, operation of the laser was at 1064 nm/repetition rate of 5 Hz. Experiments were also performed using the third harmonic (355 nm)/repetition rate of 20 Hz. Pulse energy was maintained at 60 mJ. The spark light was spectrally resolved and detected by a time-gated photodiode array. A 50 µs gate width/8 µs time delay gave detection limits of 56.1 mg/l for nickel in solution. In the UV, a 10 µs gate width/3 µs time delay lowered detection limits down to 29.4 mg/l. Concentrations spanned from 50 to 1000 mg/l. Using UV excitation (10 µs gate width/l µs time delay), saturated solvent solutions as high as 7.71 g/l were not detectable.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GAP-ENP-96D-03

DTIC Accession Number

ADA320544

Recommended Citation

Berman, Leonard M., "Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy on Solution Samples Using Surface Excitation" (1996). Theses and Dissertations. 5850.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/5850