A Fundamental Study of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Using Fiber Optics for Remote Measurements of Trace Metals

Develop a fiber-optic imaging probe for microanalysis of solid samples. Design a time-resolved plasma imaging system to measure the development of the LIBS signal. Setup a laboratory system capable of timing two lasers independently, for optimizing and characterizing dual-pulse LIBS. Compare the development of laser-induced plasmas generated with a single laser pulse to the development of laser induced plasmas generated with a pre-ablation spark prior to sample ablation. Examine the effect of sample matrix on the LIBS signals of elements in different sample matrices. Investigate the effect of excitation wavelength of the ablation beam in pre-ablation spark dual-pulse LIBS experiments. Determine the effect of the physical properties of the sample on the mass of materials ablated