laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy; principal component analysis; sedimentary rock; metamorphic rock; igneous rock;LIBS
This study deals with the analysis of rocks using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) coupled with principal component analysis. The spectra of sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rock samples were recorded in the 200-900 nm spectral range. The atomic lines of elements such as Si, Ca, Mg, Fe, Na, and K along with lighter elements, namely C, H, N, and O, were observed in these spectra. Multivariate analysis in combination with LIBS was used to classify the samples. For principal component analysis, a 12 x 5849 data matrix was formed using the results of LIBS. The plot of the analysis revealed similarities between the sedimentary and metamorphic rock samples compared with the igneous rock sample. Thus, the present study demonstrates that LIBS coupled with principal component analysis can become an important tool for rapid classification and in-situ discrimination of rock samples.