Abstract
The optical emission spectroscopy of the plume formed by liquid-phase laser ablation and its application
to underwater in-situ elemental analysis (underwater laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, underwater
LIBS) are reviewed. Since the spectral deformation due to high density in the plume is a major problem,
we overviewed the characterization of the plume, its formation mechanism, and the effects of a
cavitation bubble. Based on the plume’s properties, we discuss a laser irradiation scheme, such as the
double-pulse or long-pulse irradiation, to improve the emission spectra. Finally some applications of
underwater emission spectroscopy as an in-situ elemental analysis are described.
