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LIBS2500plus Laser-induced Breakdown Spectrometer Measurement Systems

The LIBS2500plus Laser-induced Breakdown Spectrometer Measurement Systems are detection systems that permit real-time qualitative measurements of elements in solids, solutions and gases. These broadband, high-resolution systems provide spectral analysis across a wide 200-980 nm range (depending on the system) at a resolution of ~0.1 nm (FWHM).

The LIBS2500plus is a much-improved system from our previous LIBS offerings. Advantages include the following:

Smaller footprint
Increased system sensitivity due to the elimination of internal fiber
Completely enclosed system -- no access from the outside
Smaller SMA BNC-type connectors
Uses the HR2000+ optical bench and electronics
More functionality for use with external triggering options, such as delay generators

Features

Broadband, high-resolution spectral analysis (200-980 nm at 0.1 nm resolution)
All channels operate from a single clock (~ 20 ns jitter)
Real-time qualitative measurements
Sensitivity to parts-per-billion and picogram levels is possible
Applications include materials analysis, environmental monitoring, forensic and biomedical studies, art restoration and more

How the LIBS2500plus Systems Work

A high-intensity, pulsed laser beam is focused on the sample area, positioned a few centimeters to a meter from the sample. A single 10 nanosecond-wide laser pulse is all that is needed to excite the sample. When the laser is fired, the high-temperature of the laser creates plasma. As the plasma decays or cools (~1.0 µsec after the laser pulse), excited atoms in the plasma emit light of characteristic wavelengths distinct to the element. All elements emit in the 200-980 nm region. The detection systems use up to seven of our HR2000+ High-resolution Miniature Fiber Optic Spectrometers, each with a 2048-element linear CCD array. All spectrometers are triggered to acquire and read out data simultaneously. The detectors in the broadband (200-980 nm) LIBS2500plus collect the signal; software included with the system displays the data.

For more on the LIBS system, see this 2004 feature webcast at SPIE's Defense Security Symposium.

Also, check out Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, edited by Andrzej Miziolek and published by Cambridge. The book is described as "the first comprehensive reference explaining the fundamentals of the LIBS phenomenon, its history and its fascinating applications across eighteen chapters written by recognized leaders in the field."

Advantages of Broadband LIBS Techniques

Most traditional LIBS detection systems have a small spectral range. The LIBS2500plus Systems provide broadband spectral analysis. Because the systems are noninvasive, users can perform real-time measurements in situ, within hostile industrial, chemical and biochemical environments -- with little or no sample preparation. Since the LIBS2500plus utilizes Ocean Optics' HR2000+ High-resolution Miniature Fiber Optic Spectrometers, the detection systems are portable and can be interfaced to a notebook PC via a USB port.

Applications

The LIBS technique is useful for a variety of applications:

Environmental monitoring (soil contamination, particulates)
Materials analysis (metals, plastics)
Forensics and biomedical studies (teeth, bones)
Military and safety needs (explosive particles, chemical and biological warfare agents
Art restoration/conservation (pigments, precious/ancient metals)

Laser Needed for LIBS2500plus

We offer two laser power options from laser industry leader Big Sky Laser Technologies as sources for the LIBS2500plus. Laser ablation and plasma formation are very specific to the sample matrix, and therefore the power requirements will vary by sample type. For most applications we employ a Q-switched 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser, and for maximum versatility, we recommend a 200 mJ laser with attenuator to adjust the laser power according to the sample matrix. The choice of laser power and wavelength depend on the material being analyzed and the sample’s tolerable damage threshold. The LIBS-LASER is a 50 mJ CFR Nd:YAG laser for metal and thin film samples. The LIBS-LAS200MJ is a 200 mJ CFR Nd:YAG laser for glass and high OH content materials. For liquid samples, contact us about a dual-laser setup, as the high hydrogenation content of the sample tends to quench the initial plasma formation; a second laser is needed to initiate a plasma in the vacuum created by the first laser event.

Additional Features

The LIBS2500plus is portable and operates with any 32-bit, USB-compatible Windows PC. The systems interface to a PC via a USB port for easy plug-and-play use. We provide OOILIBS Application Software for operating the LIBS2500plus and for firing the laser. With OOILIBS software, the user has spectral-saving and data-logging capabilities. Correlation Software provides instant material identification when using the LIBS2500plus.

LIBS-SC Sample Chamber

The LIBS-SC Sample Chamber is a key component of a LIBS system and is designed to perform various functions safely and in clear view of the sample. The LIBS-SC has an eyewear-safe enclosure. The chamber has a safety-interlock so the laser will not fire when the door is open. It houses a manually controlled x-y stage and provides illumination for the optional LIBS-IM-USB Imaging Module. The LIBS-SC has an inert gas induction port and a suction nozzle to remove particulates. In addition, you have the ability to focus the laser to a 40 µm spot size. The sample chamber is designed for use with the Big Sky Lasers we resell. If you wish to use the LIBS-SC with a different laser, please contact Ocean Optics.

LIBS Imaging Module

The LIBS-IM-USB Imaging Module attaches directly to the LIBS-SC Sample Chamber and enables users to magnify a sample image and to establish precisely a laser ablation target on the sample. The imaging module is well suited to a variety of application areas that include forensics, semiconductor analysis, botany, biomedical analysis, gemology and metallurgy.

The imaging module is powered by the PC and requires no external power; an external power supply is required when using the module with a notebook computer. A power cable is included in the purchase price of each module.

HR2000+ Upgrade to LIBS 1-channel System

You can turn your HR2000+ Spectrometer into a 1-channel LIBS System (LIBS2500-1PLUS) with the LIB2500plus Controller and the following equipment:

LIBS Sample Chamber (LIBS-SC)
LIBS Laser (200mJ or 50 mJ)
LIBS Imaging Module (LIBS-IM-USB)
LIBS Controller Cables

Contact Ocean Optics to return your HR2000+ to the factory for a firmware upgrade and the required LIBS equipment to upgrade your HR2000+ Spectrometer to a LIBS2500-1PLUS.

Pricing Information

Ordering a LIBS2500plus System is easy and was designed to provide the maximum flexibility so that users can only order what they need. Select a LIBS2500plus-X system, depending on the wavelength ranges needed for your application. Select the Spectrometer Channels (LIBS-CH-X) to include in the LIBS2500plus System. Also specify the fiber bundle that corresponds to the number of channels being ordered. Then select the additional accessories.

Installation is available from our Total Technical Support group for an extra fee.

LIBS Systems

Item	Description	Price	Fiber Bundle	Price
LIBS2500-7PLUS	7-channel spectrometer system, includes channels A-G	$34649	LIBS-BUN-7	$1139
LIBS2500-6PLUS	6-channel spectrometer system, choose 6 channels from A-G	$29730	LIBS-BUN-6	$1023
LIBS2500-5PLUS	5-channel spectrometer system, choose 5 channels from A-G	$24776	LIBS-BUN-5	$908
LIBS2500-4PLUS	4-channel spectrometer system, choose 4 channels from A-G	$19820	LIBS-BUN-4	$792
LIBS2500-3PLUS	3-channel spectrometer system, choose 3 channels from A-G	$14866	LIBS-BUN-3	$561
LIBS2500-2PLUS	2-channel spectrometer system, choose 2 channels from A-G	$9910	BIF600-2-UV/VIS	$381
LIBS2500-1PLUS	1-channel spectrometer system, choose 1 channel from A-G	$7149	P600-2-UV/VIS	$184
LIBS2500-1+UPG	1-channel HR2000+ upgrade	$4956	LIBS Controller Cables

LIBS Spectrometer Channels

Channels do not have to be consecutive.

LIBS-CH-A	200-305 nm wavelength range
LIBS-CH-B	295-400 nm wavelength range
LIBS-CH-C	390-525 nm wavelength range
LIBS-CH-D	520-635 nm wavelength range
LIBS-CH-E	625-735 nm wavelength range
LIBS-CH-F	725-820 nm wavelength range
LIBS-CH-G	800-980 nm wavelength range

Additional LIBS Components

LIBS-LAS200MJ	LIBS 200 mJ Ultra Laser	$22500
LIBS-LASER	Nd: YAG 50 mJ Ultra Laser	$14500
LIBS-LASER-N	LIBS 90 mJ Laser	$18300
LIBS-SC	LIBS sample chamber	$11319
OOIPLUS-CD	LIBS operating software	$500
LIBS-IM-USB	Add-on imaging module	$9240

LIBS Upgrade

LIBS-UPGD

Upgrade for HR2000+ for LIBS Applications

$599

LIBS Installation

LIBS-INSTALL-D	LIBS Installation, Domestic	$2750
LIBS-INSTALL-I	LIBS Installation, International	$8250

Specifications

Spectrometer range:	200-980 nm
Resolution:	0.1 nm (FWHM)
Detection:	CCDs with a combined 14,336 pixels
Frame rate:	500 Hz capability, computer-controlled
Integration time:	1 ms; variable in free-run mode
Trigger delay:	-121 µs to +135 µs in 500 ns steps, user-configured
Trigger jitter:	~20 ns
Trigger level:	TTL not to exceed 5.5 V
Computer connection:	USB 1.1 or USB 2.0
Operating systems:	Windows 98/Me/2000XP on desktop or notebook PCs
Software:	OOILIBS and OOICOR
Power requirement:	5 volts @ <1 amp, power supply included
Input optical fiber:	sampling probe containing 7 fibers, 2 meters long (other lengths available) with 74-UV collimating lens and a sampling lens
Dimensions:	334 mm x 150 mm x 140 mm (spectrometer system only)
Weight/Mass:	6.36 kg (14 lb)