A compact and portable laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy instrument for single and double pulse applications

We present LIBS experimental results that demonstrate the use of a newly developed, compact, versatile pulsed laser source in material analysis related to art and archaeological applications in view of research aiming at the development of portable LIBS instrumentation. LIBS qualitative analysis measurements were performed on various samples and objects, and the spectra were recorded in gated and non-gated modes. The latter is important because of advantages arising from size and cost reduction when using simple, compact spectrograph-CCD detection systems over the standard ICCD-based configurations.The new laser source exhibited a very reliable performance in terms of laser pulse repeatability, autonomy and interface. Having the ability to work in double pulse mode it provided versatility in the measurements leading to increased LIBS signal intensities, improved the signal-to-noise ratio and the RSD of the spectra.The first test results are encouraging and demonstrate that this new laser is suitable for integration in compact, portable LIBS sensors with a wide spectrum of materials analysis applications.