New LIBS Imaging Modules Let Users Analyse Sample Areas with Pinpoint Accuracy.

Ocean Optics BV has introduced two add-on imaging modules for its LIBS2000 Laser-induced Breakdown Spectrometer (LIBS) system. The imaging modules enable users to magnify a sample image and establish a precise laser target. The LIBS system is capable of analysing practically every known element in gas, liquid or solid samples in real-time and has a wide variety of industrial and scientific applications.

The LIBS-IM module produces black and white images with image resolution to 40 micrometres. The LIBS-IM-C provides colour images at resolution to 60 micrometres. The modules connect to a PC via an IEEE 1394 (FireWire) cable and FireWire PCI or PCMCIA card. When attached to a PC the modules require no external power. An external power cable is supplied for use with a notebook computer.

Applications for the LIBS2000 System include environmental sampling, forensics, semiconductor analysis, paper production, blast-furnace monitoring, botany, biomedical analysis, gemology and metallurgy. A complete LIBS scan can be executed in less than a second, making it possible to analyse transient samples, and only trace amounts of a sample are required for analysis. LIBS systems can be used in the laboratory, in the field or remotely, and on any sample geometry.