LIBS Domain Analysis for Inhomogeneous Material Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The precision of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) measurements is limited by 'matrix effects' and physical properties of samples, leading to relatively poor accuracy for inhomogeneous materials, especially when analyzing constituent elements in geological and industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involves scanning the sample surface to identify and group contiguous pixels into domains, measuring the concentration of constituent elements within each domain using LIBS, and calculating the total concentration by dividing the sum of domain quantities by the sample volume, employing an ultrashort pulsed laser and advanced imaging and spectrometry techniques to improve accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional LIBS measurement is applied to inhomogeneous materials, then real-time analysis capability is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to matrix effects
Solution Approach 1:
The sample surface is divided into multiple discrete domains based on image analysis of physical properties (color, texture, morphology). Each domain is analyzed separately by LIBS to determine constituent element concentrations, and the results are combined using domain volumes to calculate overall concentration. This segmentation approach eliminates matrix effects by treating each homogeneous domain independently rather than measuring the entire inhomogeneous sample as a single unit.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurement points are taken across the sample surface, then measurement precision improves, but analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Before performing LIBS measurements, the sample surface is pre-scaned using an imaging device to identify and map discrete domains based on physical properties. This preliminary action creates a measurement plan that targets only representative points within each domain, avoiding redundant measurements in inhomogeneous regions. Consequently, fewer LIBS measurements are needed to achieve accurate results compared to uniform sampling across the entire surface, thus maintaining precision while improving analysis speed.
3Measurement precision
If LIBS measures the entire sample surface uniformly, then simplicity of operation is maintained, but accuracy deteriorates due to inhomogeneity
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system automatically performs image analysis to identify discrete domains and selects optimal measurement points within each domain without requiring manual intervention. The system self-determines the measurement strategy based on the sample's physical heterogeneity, automatically adjusting the number and location of measurement points. This automation maintains ease of operation while significantly improving accuracy by adapting to each sample's unique inhomogeneity pattern.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the accuracy of constituent element concentration measurements by reducing matrix effects and improving precision, allowing for more reliable analysis of inhomogeneous materials with discrete domains, particularly in geological surveys and industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
LIBS is a spark spectrochemical technique that uses a short-pulsed laser (nanoseconds) or an ultrashort pulse laser (picoseconds and femtoseconds) that is focused on a sample to create a microplasma near the surface thereof
Implementation Method 2
The microplasma is a transient event having a peak temperature reaching 10,000 to 20,000 K. In this environment, a portion of the sample is converted into plasma
Implementation Method 3
These excited species give off resonant and sharp radiation at specific wavelengths that depend on the constituent element. By analysing the light emitted by the microplasma within a narrow range (generally from about 200 to about 980 nm) it is possible to identify the constituent elements by their specific emission wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to improve the accuracy of the measure of constituent element(s) in a sample containing domains potentially including the constituent element(s) are described herein. For each domain, the volume of the domain is estimated and the concentration of the constituent element(s) in the domain is determined using LIBS. When all the domains have been analyzed, the volumetric concentration of the domains is summed and divided by the total volume of the sample. Accordingly, by limiting the concentration analysis to separate domains, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the concentration analysis.