Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is an analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of materials. It employs a focused, high-energy laser pulse to ablate a small amount of material from the surface of a sample, creating a plasma. This plasma contains excited atoms, ions, and electrons from the ablated material.

As the plasma cools, the excited species emit light at characteristic wavelengths, specific to the elements present. A spectrometer collects and analyses this emitted light, producing a spectrum that reveals the material’s elemental composition.

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Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is an analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of materials. It employs a focused, high-energy laser pulse to ablate a small amount of material from the surface of a sample, creating a plasma. This plasma contains excited atoms, ions, and electrons from the ablated material.

As the plasma cools, the excited species emit light at characteristic wavelengths, specific to the elements present. A spectrometer collects and analyses this emitted light, producing a spectrum that reveals the material’s elemental composition.

Key Features


Key Features of LIBS:

  • Broad Applicability: LIBS can analyse solids, liquids, gases, and even aerosols without significant sample preparation.
  • Multi-element Detection: It detects virtually all elements in the periodic table simultaneously. It is especially suited to light elements.
  • Speed: Results are often obtained within seconds, making LIBS ideal for real-time or on-site analysis.
  • Non-destructive (with small sampling): While some material is ablated, the technique minimises overall damage to the sample.

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is an analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of materials. It employs a focused, high-energy laser pulse to ablate a small amount of material from the surface of a sample, creating a plasma. This plasma contains excited atoms, ions, and electrons from the ablated material.

As the plasma cools, the excited species emit light at characteristic wavelengths, specific to the elements present. A spectrometer collects and analyses this emitted light, producing a spectrum that reveals the material’s elemental composition.

Key Features


Key Features of LIBS:

  • Broad Applicability: LIBS can analyse solids, liquids, gases, and even aerosols without significant sample preparation.
  • Multi-element Detection: It detects virtually all elements in the periodic table simultaneously. It is especially suited to light elements.
  • Speed: Results are often obtained within seconds, making LIBS ideal for real-time or on-site analysis.
  • Non-destructive (with small sampling): While some material is ablated, the technique minimises overall damage to the sample.

AtomTrace Sci-Trace

The AtomTrace SciTrace is a modular instrument designed from the ground up for high quality Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Measurements. The instrument can either be configured as a vacuum-based instrument, or as a simple open “cage” chamber where the sample is measured under ambient conditions. The vacuum body provides protection against laser reflections and potentially toxic ablated materials. All windows are covered with laser filters. The system can easily be configured to house multiple lasers all pointing at the sample target for multiple / double pulsed LIBS in order to enhance the detection limits.

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AtomTrace M-Trace

The M-Trace is a truly portable solution for Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). Easily transportable by car for in-the-field analysis, the system is an all in one solution for fast, non-destructive chemical analysis. The system can be powered by batteries and weighs less than 30Kg. It uses a class 1 laser so requires no additional laser safety.

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