Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)

In response to increased demand placed on Southern Valve to verify that valve castings and weld materials meet low RE requirements, we purchased the Z-200 C+ LIBS analyzer. This is a dedicated analyzer for alloy analysis including carbon content. Handheld LIBS analyzers work by using a high-focused laser to ablate the surface of a sample. A plasma is formed consisting of electronically excited atoms and ions. As these atoms decay back into their ground states, they emit characteristic wavelengths of light, or “unique fingerprints”. These “fingerprints” are distinct for each element, making handheld LIBS analysis an excellent tool for quantitative and qualitative measurements. What sets LIBS apart from XRF PMI is that it is inherently more sensitive and better suited for light element detection – such as aluminum (Al), lithium (Li), magnesium (Mg), carbon (C) and beryllium (Be).