Laser ablation: LIBS and ICP-MS

Laser ablation has become a dominant technology for direct solid sampling chemical analysis. Commonly used detection modalities include LIBS (laser induced breakdown spectroscopy) for direct spectroscopic analysis from the laser-induced plasma at the sample surface, and ICPMS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy) in which the ablated aerosol is transported and excited in a secondary source. Each measurement approach dictates the laser parameters required for optimum performance. Fundamental and experimental research studies have led to significant improvements in performance metrics for laser ablation solid sampling chemical analysis using both LIBS and ICPMS.