The LIBS 2500, a next-generation laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) system from Ocean Optics, takes LIBS technology to the next level, permitting instant qualitative measurements of elements in solids, solutions and gases for use in materials analysis, biomedical and forensic analysis, environmental monitoring, art restoration and security and defence. Designed to be smaller and lighter than its predecessor, the LIBS2000, the slimmed down system features an improved sensitivity of 10-50ppm; a series of 2048-element, linear CCD detectors; and a seven-fibre optical sampling probe with a 74-UV collimating lens and a sampling lens.
Traditional LIBS systems typically operate over a small spectral range. In contrast, the LIBS2500 incorporates up to seven high-resolution spectrometers for spectral coverage as broad as 200-980nm. The system operates with any 32-bit, USB-compatiable Windows PC over a USB 1.1 or 2.0 interface.
Integral application software fires the laser and identifies the element being analysed, performing element identification, reference correlation by full pixel, reference correlation by spectral line, time-dependent analysis, and line tracking over multiple samples. In addition, it allows the user to control the exact time of sampling during plasma decay and operates on Method Saving to set and perform procedures for an entire sample test. Elemental Identification and Correlation Software provides instant material identification and a spectral library consisting of more than 2,000 atomic emission lines from the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
The streamlined LIBS 2500 detection system is portable, compact and rugged. Users can perform in situ real-time measurements in hostile industrial, chemical and biochemical environments.
The accessories required to complete the LIBS2500 system have also been upgraded. The redesigned LIBS Imaging Module, which comes with PixeLINK software, allows users to precisely adjust the laser to focus on the region of interest of the test piece. The new LIBS Sample Chamber (LIBS-SC) includes a manual x-y-z stage. The inside lens and spectrometer-probe mounting hardware are reconfigurable, with additional components readily available. The sample chamber also includes a laser safety cut-off switch, along with a blower and evacuation system to feed in alternate gases, such as argon.