Laser microspectral analysis: a review of principles and applications

Abstract

In the twenty years of so since its inception, 'laser microspectral analysis' (LMSA) has become an established technique for rapid, spot analysis of solid targets. Since a laser is used to vaporise the sample, little or no preparation is required and analysis of dielectric and conducting samples can be performed. Only microgram quantities of about 50 mu m diameter are sampled and, as such, the technique fills the gap between electron and ion microprobes and conventional emission spectroscopy. The authors discuss the physical characteristics of laser produced plasmas, in so far as they are suitable for quantitative spectrochemical analysis, together with the instrumentation required. Some important examples of the use of this technique in both science and industry are described.