QUANTITATIVE-ANALYSIS USING REMOTE LASER-INDUCED BREAKDOWN SPECTROSCOPY (LIBS)

A measurement system for quantitative, remote materials analysis has been realised. It is based on the method of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIES), utilising an optical fibre system, both to deliver the laser radiation to the sample specimen and to collect the light emission from the luminous plasma plume. Distances of up to 100 m between the remote location and the apparatus have been demonstrated. All experiments were performed in situ, under standard conditions of air at atmospheric pressure. In particular, quantitative analysis of ferrous specimens has been achieved, detecting traces of the elements Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Si and V, down to relative concentrations of about 200 ppm. This remote analytical technique has been implemented successfully for measurements in the hostile environment of nuclear reactor buildings.