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High-performance spectroscopy for field-ready LIBS systems
Why is laser‑induced breakdown spectroscopy so powerful for on‑site elemental analysis?
Laser‑induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has rapidly evolved from a lab‑based technique into fast, preparation‑free elemental analysis across metals, recycling, energy, EV battery materials, environmental testing, and research.
Today’s LIBS systems, especially portable instruments, deliver speed and sensitivity that rival or outperform older spark‑OES and complement portable XRF. The accuracy and reliability of this analysis depend fundamentally on spectrometer performance.
Quick Summary
- LIBS uses a short, intense laser pulse to create plasma whose emission reveals elemental fingerprints.
- Minimal sample preparation enables rapid field and industrial measurements.
- Detection of light elements requires broad wavelength coverage and high sensitivity.
- Spectrometer resolution, optical efficiency, and wavelength stability directly determine analytical performance.
How does LIBS work?
LIBS fires a nanosecond‑scale laser pulse at the material surface, generating microplasma. As the plasma cools, atoms emit sharp spectral lines unique to each element.
To capture these emissions with precision, LIBS systems rely on spectrometers that can:
- Resolve fine spectral features for accurate elemental identification
- Capture extremely short‑lived signals
- Provide broad wavelength coverage where key emission lines occur
- Maintain wavelength stability in real‑world conditions
Spectrometer performance is therefore central to LIBS system capability.
Why spectrometer performance determines LIBS quality
LIBS analysis places specific demands on optical detection systems:
- High spectral resolution to distinguish tightly spaced emission lines
- Broad wavelength coverage to capture both light and heavy element signatures
- High optical throughput to detect faint plasma signals
- Excellent stability for repeatable field and industrial measurements
- Compact design for integration into portable or embedded systems
The Hamamatsu WS Series spectrometers are engineered to meet these requirements. With configurations optimized for broadband capture or high-resolution applications, the WS Series supports advanced LIBS system development across laboratory, portable, and industrial platforms.
Where LIBS is used today
- Metals & Manufacturing: Carbon measurement in steels, corrosion‑resistant alloys, welding verification.
- Recycling & Scrap Sorting: Fast alloy sorting, grade discrimination (e.g., 316 vs. 316L), contaminant detection.
- Electric Vehicles & Battery Materials: Real-time lithium detection in soils, rocks, brines for exploration and recycling.
- Science, Research & Education: Portable, intuitive systems for broad‑coverage field or classroom studies.
Advances in compact laser sources and spectrometer miniaturization have enabled reliable, field-deployable LIBS systems for these demanding environments.
Ready to build or upgrade your LIBS system?
Explore the technical specifications of the Hamamatsu WS Series, request sample data, or speak with a specialist to identify the optimal spectrometer configuration for your LIBS application.
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