DOI: 10.1177/0003702816687571

Authors
Borba, F. D. L. ; Farias, B. B. ; Fontes, L. M. ; Pasquini, C. ; Pimentel, M. F. ; Raimundo, I. M.

Keywords

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy; LIBS; lens-to-sample distance; sample positioning; repeatability;

Abstract

A simple device based on two commercial laser pointers is described to assist in the analysis of samples that present uneven surfaces and/or irregular shapes using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The device allows for easy positioning of the sample surface at a reproducible distance from the focusing lens that conveys the laser pulse to generate the micro-plasma in a LIBS system, with reproducibility better than +/- 0.2 mm. In this way, fluctuations in the fluence (J cm(-2)) are minimized and the LIBS analytical signals can be obtained with a better precision even when samples with irregular surfaces are probed.