Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and laser ablation (LA) inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass spectrometry (MS) were utilized for microspatial analyses of a prehistoric bear (Ursus arctos) tooth dentine. The distribution of selected trace elements (Sr, Ba, Fe) was measured on a 26 mm×15 mm26 mm×15 mm large and 3 mm3 mm thick transverse cross section of a canine tooth. The Na and Mg content together with the distribution of matrix elements (Ca, P) was also monitored within this area. The depth of the LIBS craters was measured with an optical profilometer. As shown, both LIBS and LA-ICP-MS can be successfully used for the fast, spatially resolved analysis of prehistoric teeth samples. In addition to micro chemical analysis, the sample hardness was calculated using LIBS plasma ionic-to-atomic line intensity ratios of Mg (or Ca). To validate the sample hardness calculations, the hardness was also measured with a Vickers microhardness tester.

The development of a remote laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) setup with an off-axis Newtonian collection optics, Galilean-based focusing telescope, and a 532 nm532 nm flattop laser beam source is presented. The device was tested at a 6 m6 m distance on a slice of bone to simulate its possible use in the field, e.g., during archaeological excavations. It is shown that this setup is sufficiently sensitive to both major (P, Mg) and minor elements (Na, Zn, Sr). The measured quantities of Mg, Zn, and Sr correspond to the values obtained by reference laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) measurements within an approximately 20% range of uncertainty. A single point calibration was performed by use of a bone meal standard . The radial element distribution is almost invariable by use of LA-ICP-MS, whereas the LIBS measurement showed a strong dependence on the sample porosity. Based on these results, this remote LIBS setup with a relatively large (350 mm350 mm) collecting mirror is capable of semiquantitative analysis at the level of units of mg kg-1.

Single pulse (SP) LIBS setup was modified to DP setup to achieve more accurate analytical sensitivity and spatial resolution. All parameters, like interpulse delay, acquisition delay or energy of ablation and excitation laser pulses were optimized.

Laser-ablation based spectrochemical Analytical Methods could be used in applications in which the capability for spatially resolved analysis is required. Such analysis gives a 2-D or 3-D map of the monitored chemical elements. Here we introduce automation of a 2-D surface analysis in the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy setup by implementation of an autofocus algorithm based on the evaluation of the image sharpness. The most suitable algorithm with respect to its speed, accuracy, and durability against digital noise is chosen by testing different gradient-based methods and methods working in the frequency domain.

laser induced breakdown spectroscopy; LIBS; Acoustic signal; Normalization; Internal standard; Ceramic tile; Depth profiling;

An acoustic signal was used for the internal standardization of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) of a glazed wall tile. For the LIBS analyses, 1064 nm and 532 nm wavelengths of the Nd:YAG laser were utilized. The tile was depth profiled by a single-spot ablation from the glaze into the substrate. Some lines of major elements Si(I) 252.418, Si(I) 252.851, Al(I) 257.509, Cr(I) 295.368, Al(I) 309.271 nm and Ti(II) 334.904 nm were monitored. The decrease in the optical emissions during the ablation was successfully compensated for by normalization to the square power of the acoustic signal in the interval of 290–340 nm. This approach failed for the lines between 250–270 nm. The results were the same for both lasing wavelengths despite different irradiances. The acquired profiles are in good agreement with the reference X-ray fluorescence measurement.

laser induced breakdown spectroscopy; LIBS; double pulse LIBS; plasma characterization; time resolved measurement; ICCD; photomultiplier;

In this study, we present orthogonal re-heating double pulse experimental system equipped with both ICCD and PMT detection and preliminary measurements of temperatures of plasmas generated on an iron sample.

Silver; Heavy metals; Plant biosensor; Sensors; Biochemical marker;

The aim of this work is to investigate sunflower plants response on stress induced by silver(I) ions. The sunflower plants were exposed to silver(I) ions (0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mM) for 96 h. Primarily we aimed our attention to observation of basic physiological parameters. We found that the treated plants embodied growth depression, coloured changes and lack root hairs. Using of autofluorescence of anatomical structures, such as lignified cell walls, it was possible to determine the changes of important shoot and root structures, mainly vascular bungles and development of secondary thickening. The differences in vascular bundles organisation, parenchymatic pith development in the root centre and the reduction of phloem part of vascular bundles were well observable. Moreover with increasing silver(I) ions concentration the vitality of rhizodermal cells declined; rhizodermal cells early necrosed and were replaced by the cells of exodermis. Further we employed laser induced breakdown spectroscopy for determination of spatial distribution of silver(I) ions in tissues of the treated plants. The Ag is accumulated mainly in near-root part of the sample. Moreover basic biochemical indicators of environmental stress were investigated. The total content of proteins expressively decreased with increasing silver(I) ions dose and the time of the treatment. As we compare the results obtained by protein analysis-the total protein contents in shoot as well as root parts-we can assume on the transport of the proteins from the roots to shoots. This phenomenon can be related with the cascade of processes connecting with photosynthesis. The second biochemical parameter, which we investigated, was urease activity. If we compared the activity in treated plants with control, we found out that presence of silver(I) ions markedly enhanced the activity of urease at all applied doses of this toxic metal. Finally we studied the effect of silver(I) ions on activity of urease in in vitro conditions.

Laser induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) offers a new unique tool to detect heavy metal ions in biological samples without any sample preparation. The technique was utilized for determination of lead in leaves of sugar beet plants treated with lead chelate.