Abstract: A laser ablation system and methods are disclosed for performing material analysis. The laser ablation system includes a sample chamber which holds and encloses a sample material to be ablated; a laser source that produces a laser beam which is directed into the sample chamber to a surface of the sample material to cause laser ablation; a laser measuring device which is physically attached to the sample chamber to measure a power/energy value of the laser beam; and a material analyzing module that is coupled to the sample chamber to receive the ablated material from laser ablation of the sample material.

Abstract: A laser ablation system and methods are disclosed for performing material analysis. The laser ablation system includes a sample chamber which holds and encloses a sample material to be ablated; a laser source that produces a laser beam which is directed into the sample chamber to a surface of the sample material to cause laser ablation; a laser measuring device which is physically attached to the sample chamber to measure a power/energy value of the laser beam; and a material analyzing module that is coupled to the sample chamber to receive the ablated material from laser ablation of the sample material.

Abstract: In a process for producing a defluorinated product containing calcium, sodium and phosphorus, by calcination of a mixture of phosphate rock, with caustic soda, phosphoric acid and water, an improvement comprises maintaining the amount of phosphoric acid in the mixture such that the ratio of phosphorus in percentage by weight on a dry basis in said mixture-to-the phosphorus desired in percentage by weight in the calcined product is substantially equivalent to the ratio of the calcium in percentage by weight on a dry basis in the mixture-to-the calcium in percentage by weight in the calcined product. The process is especially useful where the phosphate rock has a bone phosphate of lime analysis of about 73% or less (e.g., about 71.5%), and also where the caustic soda is added to a mixture of phosphate rock and phosphoric acid prior to the addition of water.