Abstract: Described are various embodiments of a system, method and device for laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). In some embodiments, the LIBS system comprises a silicon photomultiplier (Si PM) operated in a time-gated photon counting mode. Some such embodiments allow for the provision of a portable LIBS device. Also provided are embodiments for the measurement of constituent carbon, gold and/or other precious metal group elements in a target sample.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of a system, method and device for laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). In some embodiments, the LIBS system comprises a silicon photomultiplier (Si PM) operated in a time-gated photon counting mode. Some such embodiments allow for the provision of a portable LIBS device. Also provided are embodiments for the measurement of constituent carbon, gold and/or other precious metal group elements in a target sample.

Abstract: A method for laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) calibration or LIBS assay comprises providing a plurality of reference samples, each having a respective, known concentration of an analyte, assaying each reference sample to obtain a respective LIBS spectrum, and for each reference LIBS spectrum, measuring an intensity of at least one spectral analyte line that varies with concentration of the analyte, and measuring a peak amplitude of at least one saturating line of a reference element. The ratio and known concentrations define a calibration curve for the analyte.

Abstract: A method for laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) calibration or LIBS assay comprises providing a plurality of reference samples, each having a respective, known concentration of an analyte, assaying each reference sample to obtain a respective LIBS spectrum, and for each reference LIBS spectrum, measuring an intensity of at least one spectral analyte line that varies with concentration of the analyte, and measuring a peak amplitude of at least one saturating line of a reference element. The ratio and known concentrations define a calibration curve for the analyte.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for use with Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) systems that can be applied to the real time analysis of molten materials or liquid. Since it is difficult to prepare a surface representative of the bulk when dealing with high temperature molten material, the invention, in one aspect, uses a forced gas flow through a tube insertable inside the molten material to generate a bubble. The inner surface of the bubble is a representative of the composition of the material. LIBS performed on such a surface produces an accurate real time analysis of material, even when other processing of material, e.g., copper smelting, etc., is being conducted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spectrochemical analysis of liquids, including molten metals, using laser-induced plasma spectroscopy. The apparatus preferably comprises a high power pulsed laser focused on the surface of a liquid stream flowing in a measurement cell, and an optical spectrometer-detector assembly, which receives, detects and analyzes the radiation emitted by the high temperature plasma thereby excited. The measurement cell, and optional pump, establish laminar flow of the liquid flow, thereby permitting the laser to repeatedly sample a fresh un-perturbed surface, while also ensuring that bubbles formed in the liquid are removed from the focal volume Preferably, a blower prevents aerosols and matter ejected from the sample responsive to the incident energy from interacting with subsequent laser pulses, and from accumulating on the optic.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spectrochemical analysis of liquids, including molten materials, using laser-induced plasma spectroscopy. The apparatus preferably comprises a high power pulsed laser focused on the surface of a liquid stream flowing in a measurement cell, and an optical spectrometer-detector assembly, which receives, detects and analyzes the radiation emitted by the high temperature plasma thereby excited. The measurement cell, and optional pump, establish a steady flow of liquid, thereby permitting the laser to repeatedly sample a fresh unperturbed surface, representative of the liquid volume, while also ensuring that bubbles and waves formed in the liquid are removed from the focal volume. Gas (usually air) blown above the liquid prevents aerosols and matter ejected from the sample responsive to the incident energy from interacting with subsequent laser pulses, and from accumulating on the optics.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for use with Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) systems that can be applied to the real time analysis of molten materials or liquid. Since it is difficult to prepare a surface representative of the bulk when dealing with high temperature molten material, the invention, in one aspect, uses a forced gas flow through a tube insertable inside the molten material to generate a bubble. The inner surface of the bubble is a representative of the composition of the material. LIBS performed on such a surface produces an accurate real time analysis of material, even when other processing of material, e.g., copper smelting, etc., is being conducted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spectrochemical analysis of liquids, including molten materials, using laser-induced plasma spectroscopy. The apparatus preferably comprises a high power pulsed laser focused on the surface of a liquid stream flowing in a measurement cell, and an optical spectrometer-detector assembly, which receives, detects and analyzes the radiation emitted by the high temperature plasma thereby excited. The measurement cell, and optional pump, establish a steady flow of liquid, thereby permitting the laser to repeatedly sample a fresh un-perturbed surface, representative of the liquid volume, while also ensuring that bubbles and waves formed in the liquid are removed from the focal volume. Gas (usually air) blown above the liquid prevents aerosols and matter ejected from the sample responsive to the incident energy from interacting with subsequent laser pulses, and from accumulating on the optics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spectrochemical analysis of liquids, including molten metals, using laser-induced plasma spectroscopy. The apparatus preferably comprises a high power pulsed laser focused on the surface of a liquid stream flowing in a measurement cell, and an optical spectrometer-detector assembly, which receives, detects and analyzes the radiation emitted by the high temperature plasma thereby excited. The measurement cell, and optional pump, establish laminar flow of the liquid flow, thereby permitting the laser to repeatedly sample a fresh un-perturbed surface, while also ensuring that bubbles formed in the liquid are removed from the focal volume Preferably, a blower prevents aerosols and matter ejected from the sample responsive to the incident energy from interacting with subsequent laser pulses, and from accumulating on the optic.

Abstract: An optical detection of a surface motion of an object is disclosed. An optical interferometer receives a laser light which is scattered from the surface of the object and transmitted through a substantial length of an optical fiber. The stabilization is carried out by a signal which is obtained by processing signals generated by a reference detector and a stabilization detector located respectively at the input side and the output side of the interferometer.

Abstract: A laser ultrasound detection technique which is insensitive to laser intensity fluctuations, perturbation at the object surface and the like is disclosed. The invention consists of two substantially identical interferometers of the Fabry-Perot type or such an interferometer with a birefringent element in its optical cavity. The interferometers have resonance frequencies higher and lower than the laser frequency so that noises can be cancelled out by signal processing.