LIBS handheld and portable LIBS systems.

Handheld and portable LIBS systems serve as essential instruments for elemental analysis
across a range of disciplines such as materials science, environmental surveillance, mining,
forensic science, and archaeology. Employing laser-induced plasma, these systems vaporize and
stimulate atoms within samples, enabling the determination and measurement of elemental
makeup through the analysis of emitted light spectra. General parameters:
Dimensions
Handheld LIBS devices typically have dimensions ranging from compact to medium-sized. They
are designed to be portable and easy to carry around, allowing for on-site analysis of samples.
The exact dimensions can vary, but many handheld LIBS systems are designed to fit comfortably
in one hand or to be carried in a small case or backpack for fieldwork.
Weight
The weight of handheld LIBS systems can also vary depending on factors such as the size of the
device, the materials used in its construction, and the inclusion of additional features.
Generally, handheld LIBS analyzers can weigh anywhere from a few pounds to around 20
pounds. Manufacturers often strive to keep the weight of these devices as low as possible to
ensure ease of use and portability for field applications.
Optical Scheme
Handheld LIBS systems incorporate a laser source, often a pulsed laser, which emits short
bursts of high-energy light, directed onto the sample surface to create a micro-plasma or
breakdown. The emitted laser beam is focused onto the sample surface using focusing optics,
such as lenses or mirrors, to concentrate the laser energy for optimal plasma generation and
sample ablation. When the laser pulse interacts with the sample, it rapidly heats and vaporizes
a small portion of the material, creating a plasma plume containing atoms and ions excited to
higher energy states. Light emitted by the plasma contains spectral lines corresponding to the
elemental composition of the sample, collected and directed towards the spectrometer for
analysis. The collected light is dispersed by a spectrometer, separating it into its component
wavelengths, enabling the identification of elemental emission lines. A detector, such as a CCD
or photodiode array, measures the emitted light intensity at different wavelengths to construct
a spectral profile. The spectral data collected by the detector is then processed and analyzed
using specialized software, identifying and quantifying the elemental composition based on
characteristic emission lines in the spectrum.
Software
The software employed in handheld and portable LIBS systems plays a critical role in enabling
data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation. It manages the LIBS system's functions, such as
controlling the laser firing, capturing spectral data, and processing signals, ensuring precise and
dependable data gathering from the sample being analyzed. After gathering spectral data, the
software assists in analyzing it by processing and interpreting the acquired spectra, recognizing
characteristic emission lines associated with various elements present in the sample. Using this
spectral analysis, the software aids in identifying the elemental composition by comparing
observed emission lines with established spectral patterns of elements, determining their
presence and relative concentrations. Additionally, it may offer tools for quantitative analysis,
allowing for the determination of elemental concentrations by calibrating against established
standards or reference materials. The software also incorporates features for visualizing
spectral data, like plotting spectra and displaying peak intensities, facilitating interpretation and
the identification of patterns or irregularities. Handheld and portable LIBS systems commonly
feature user-friendly interfaces with simple controls and menus, designed for effortless use in
field applications. Certain software packages offer customization options for adjusting analysis
parameters and settings to suit specific applications or sample types, optimizing the LIBS
system for diverse analytical needs. Moreover, the software may include functionalities for
exporting data in various formats and generating reports summarizing analysis results, enabling
users to efficiently share and document their findings.
Applications
Handheld and portable LIBS (Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) systems find applications
across diverse fields due to their versatility, portability, and rapid analysis capabilities. Some
common applications include:
Materials Science: LIBS systems are used for elemental analysis of various materials, including
metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers, and composites. They provide valuable information for
quality control, alloy identification, material characterization, and process monitoring in
manufacturing industries.
Environmental Monitoring: LIBS is employed for environmental analysis, such as soil and water
quality assessment, pollution monitoring, and identification of contaminants. It enables rapid
on-site analysis in fieldwork and environmental remediation efforts.
Mining and Geology: In the mining and geology sectors, LIBS systems are utilized for ore grade
control, mineral exploration, and identification of valuable minerals. They provide real-time
elemental analysis for optimizing mining operations and assessing geological samples.
Archaeology and Cultural Heritage: LIBS technology aids in the analysis of archaeological
artifacts, cultural heritage objects, and artworks. It helps identify the elemental composition of
materials, detect forgeries, and assess the deterioration of cultural artifacts.
Forensics and Criminalistics: LIBS systems are employed in forensic science for trace element
analysis, gunshot residue analysis, and identification of chemical composition in evidence
samples. They assist forensic investigators in criminal investigations and forensic analysis.
Pharmaceuticals and Biomedical Research: LIBS technology is utilized in pharmaceutical
research for drug analysis, detection of impurities, and quality control of pharmaceutical
products. In biomedical research, it aids in elemental analysis of tissues, biomaterials, and
medical devices.
Agriculture and Food Safety: LIBS systems are applied in agriculture for soil nutrient analysis,
fertilizer optimization, and crop quality assessment. In food safety, they help identify
contaminants, heavy metals, and pesticide residues in food products.
Industrial Quality Control: LIBS technology is used in various industrial sectors for quality
control of raw materials, components, and finished products. It ensures compliance with
regulatory standards and specifications in industries such as aerospace, automotive,
electronics, and construction.
List of manufacturers
1.SciAps:
Products: Z-300, Z-500, Z-900 series
Indicative Price Range: $30,000 to $60,000
2.Thermo Fisher Scientific:
Products: Niton XL5, TruScan RM
Indicative Price Range: $40,000 to $80,000
3.Bruker:
Products: Tracer, S1 TITAN series
Indicative Price Range: $40,000 to $70,000
4.Rigaku:
Products: KT-100S, KT-500 series
Indicative Price Range: $30,000 to $50,000
5.B&W Tek:
Products: NanoLIBS
Indicative Price Range: $20,000 to $40,000
6.Ocean Optics:
Products: LIBS2000
Indicative Price Range: $20,000 to $30,000
7.Applied Spectra:
Products: J200 Tandem LIBS
Indicative Price Range: $50,000 to $100,000
8.Metrohm:
Products: Mira DS, Mira P
Indicative Price Range: $40,000 to $70,000
9.Xenemetrix:
Products: P-Metrix, P-Metrix Pro
Indicative Price Range: $30,000 to $60,000
10.Sciaps:
Products: X-250, X-550 series
Indicative Price Range: $25,000 to $50,000
11.Elementar:
Products: LIBS pro, LIBS 3
Indicative Price Range: $50,000 to $90,000
12.ARL (Thermo Fisher Scientific):
Products: iSpark series
Indicative Price Range: $45,000 to $75,000
13.Analytik Jena:
Products: JenaLIBS
Indicative Price Range: $40,000 to $80,000
14.Elvatech:
Products: ElvaX Mobile
Indicative Price Range: $35,000 to $70,000
15.HORIBA:
Products: Xplora series
Indicative Price Range: $40,000 to $80,000
16.TSI:
Products: ChemReveal
Indicative Price Range: $30,000 to $60,000
17.SciAps (Handheld):
Products: Z-200C, Z-300C
Indicative Price Range: $30,000 to $50,000
18.Thermo Fisher Scientific (Handheld):
Products: TruScan GP, Niton XL2
Indicative Price Range: $30,000 to $60,000
19.Bruker (Handheld):
Products: EOS, Tracer series
Indicative Price Range: $35,000 to $70,000
20.TSI (Handheld):
Products: ChemLite Plus
Indicative Price Range: $25,000 to $45,000
21.Hitachi High-Tech:
Products: Vulcan series
Indicative Price Range: $40,000 to $80,000
22.Oxford Instruments:
Products: Vulcan+, Mira M-1
Indicative Price Range: $50,000 to $90,000
23.Applied Spectra (Portable):
Products: J200 series
Indicative Price Range: $60,000 to $110,000
24.TSI (Portable):
Products: ChemLite Pro
Indicative Price Range: $65,000 to $120,000