A new compact laser source for portable LIBS applications

We present LIBS experimental results that demonstrate the use of a newly compact, versatile pulsed laser source in material analysis in view of research aiming at the development of portable LIBS instrumentation. LIBS qualitative analyses were performed on various samples and objects, and spectra were recorded in gated and non-gated modes. The latter is important because of advantages arising from size and cost reduction when using simple, compact spectrograph-CCD detection systems over the standard ICCD-based configurations. The new Nd3+:YAG laser source exhibited very reliable performance in terms of laser pulse repeatability, autonomy and interface. Indeed, it can deliver a 45 mJ for 4.5 ns pulse and work at 1 Hz. Having the ability to work in double-pulse mode, it provided versatility in the measurements leading to increased LIBS signal intensities, improved the signal noise ratio and stabilized spectra. The first test results are encouraging and demonstrate that this new laser is suitable for integration in compact, portable and low cost LIBS sensors with a wide spectrum of materials analysis applications.