Capabilities of surface composition analysis using a long laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy spark

An apparatus has been investigated based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for the rapid determination of the spatial distribution of elements on surfaces. Cylindrical optics are used to create a linear spark approximately 1 cm in length. Light emitted by atoms excited along the spark is collected and provides a spatial profile of elemental composition in the sample when analyzed with a spectrometer and gated charge-coupled device (ICCD) detector. Moving the spark across the sample surface as spectral data is recorded at regularly spaced intervals allows for the development of a three-dimensional elemental distribution map (emission intensity versus spatial distribution across an area). An analysis of the spatial resolution of this methodology is presented along with representative data from several sample types. Application of full-image analysis allowing for simultaneous investigations into the spatial distributions of multiple elements is also discussed and results are presented.