Elemental analysis by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Abstract

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is finding applications in a wide range of fields, from industrial applications and research sites to seafloor and space exploration, and is expanding on a truly cosmic scale. In this paper, we will first discuss the basics of LIBS, and then focus on the quantitative nature of the spectrum and explain the basics of quantitative analysis that does not require a calibration procedure. Next, we will provide an overview of underwater LIBS, one of the important applications of LIBS, and introduce our recent research on methods for analyzing emission spectra accompanied by self-absorption.