Novel Laser-Based Technique Is Ideal For Real-time Environmental Analysis
Ocean Optics LIBS Systems Make Light Work of Heavy Metal Testing on Virtually Any Environmental Sample
Dunedin, FL — Ocean Optics offers a selection of versatile, laser-based systems that can be used to identify light to heavy metals in a variety of sample types and geometries in environmental analysis applications. The Laser-induced Breakdown Spectrometer systems (LIBS) are real-time, high-resolution analyzers for qualitative analysis—in less than one second—of every element in solids, solutions and gases and are ideal for environmental analysis applications including soil testing, agricultural runoff monitoring and plant tissue analysis.
Ocean Optics LIBS systems offer several advantages compared with traditional analysis techniques such as XRF, ICPM and wet chemistry analysis. Consider its speed—a complete scan of all elements is executed in less than a second—which saves time and makes it possible to analyze samples that are transient in nature. Non-contact sampling makes LIBS especially useful for on-line and hazardous environments, and only trace amounts of the sample are required for analysis; minimal sample preparation is required. Additionally, LIBS systems can be used in the laboratory or in the field, and on any sample geometry.
In laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, a single pulse from a high-intensity laser is focused on the sample area, exciting the sample and creating plasma, into which a trace amount of the sample has been ablated. As the plasma decays, excited elements in the plasma emit light at wavelengths that are distinct to each element. This emission is collected by a probe and sent to a high-resolution, multi-spectrometer system for analysis. Each scan provides full spectral analysis from 200-980 nm -- the region in which all elements emit energy ? with optical resolution of 0.1 nm (FWHM) and sensitivity to parts-per-billion levels.
Ocean Optics LIBS systems come with intuitive operating software that includes a library of all elemental emission lines and that enables automatic identification of all elements present in the sample. Other software features allow tracking emission intensities over multiple scans and correlation of analysis routines. Also available are hardware options for rastering and video imaging.
The LIBS system is typically installed into a 19-inch rack mount, and includes a seven-channel spectrometer system and all necessary cables for connection to a PC via a single USB port. Sample excitation is possible using any Q-switched pulsed laser with energy greater than 30 mJ.
About Ocean Optics, Inc.
Ocean Optics is a leading supplier of solutions for optical sensing—fundamental methods of measuring and interpreting the interaction of light with matter. Our vision is to expand the frontiers of optical sensing and to make it the foundation on which innovative, life-changing ideas are built. We improve many facets of life by enabling medical research, environmental monitoring, entertainment technology and educational applications. Since 1989, Ocean Optics has sold more than 50,000 spectrometers worldwide and has developed an extensive line of complementary technologies that includes chemical sensors, analytical instrumentation, optical fibers and thin films and optics. Ocean Optics is part of the Halma Group of safety and detection companies, a U.K.-based multinational with 2003 sales of over $500 million.
Source: Ocean Optics, Inc.