Correlation software algorithm for portable laser spectral analysis of heavy metal dopants

A novel correlation algorithm for laser spectral analyser (LSA) has been created for simultaneous determination of heavy metals' content in condensed matters, particularly in soils. This work is devoted to the design of a portable laser spectroscopy device for material contamination analysis using software with an original correlation algorithm. Detection sensitivity that can be achieved using this technique varies within 10–100 ppm. It has been demonstrated that acceptable results may be achieved during in-situ measurements. For a huge number of heavy metals, the limits of detection, which were determined experimentally with respect to unpolluted soil sample are lower. This system may provide fast in-situ analysis of heavy metal content and it uses optical fibre sensors.

► LIBS system providing fast in-situ analysis of heavy metal content in soils is proposed.
► The system uses optical fibre sensors and can be deployed in a stand-alone system.
► The Soil can be analysed in-situ.