Methods

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a proven method to obtain elemental information about a given sample. Using a pulsed laser, a small amount of the sample is sublimed and ignited. Due to the quanized nature of the electronic orbitals, the resulting light flash contains a descrete color spectrum corresponig to a specific element. These fingerprints can be recorded using a spectrometer. Using statistical analysis, a mixture of elements can be deconvoluted and concentrations determined, all without sample preparation and using nothing but optical access.