Written by: Habiba Ibrahim
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a versatile analytical technique that utilizes intense laser pulses to vaporize a small amount of material. The resulting plasma emits light at specific wavelengths, which are characteristic of the elements present in the sample. By analyzing the emitted light spectrum, LIBS can identify and quantify various elements in a sample, making it a valuable tool for various applications.
How LIBS works:
LIBS utilizes a high-powered laser to vaporize a small portion of a sample’s surface. This process generates a plasma cloud composed of excited atoms, ions, and electrons. As these particles cool down, they emit light at specific wavelengths, characteristic of the elements present in the sample. A spectrometer then captures and analyzes this emitted light, allowing for the identification and quantification of various elements. By carefully controlling laser energy and employing advanced calibration techniques, LIBS can achieve remarkable sensitivity, detecting elements at extremely low concentrations.
LIBS VS LA-ICP-MS (Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry)
Both LIBS and LA-ICP-MS employ lasers to vaporize a small portion of a sample. However, they differ in their subsequent analysis methods. LIBS directly measures the light emitted by the vaporized material to determine its elemental composition. In contrast, LA-ICP-MS transports the vaporized material to a plasma source, ionizes the elements, and then analyzes them using a mass spectrometer.
Laser ablation involves focusing a pulsed laser onto a specific area of the sample, vaporizing a small amount of material. The ablated material is then carried into an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torch, where it is ionized into a plasma state. The resulting ions are extracted from the plasma and accelerated into a mass spectrometer. This instrument separates the ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio, and a detector measures their abundance to determine the elemental composition of the original sample.
Both LA-ICP-MS and LIBS are powerful analytical techniques, but they have different strengths and weaknesses:
| Feature | LIBS | LA-ICP-MS |
| Element Measurement | Excels in measuring light elements like carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen | Stronger in heavy element detection |
| Speed and Mobility | Faster analysis and simpler setup | Slower analysis and more complex instrumentation |
| Cost | More cost-effective | Higher operational costs |
| Applications | Wide range of applications, including geology, environment, and mining | Primarily used in research and specialized analytical labs |
| Depth Profiling | Easier to perform depth profiling | More complex depth profiling |
Both LA-ICP-MS and LIBS provide valuable information for material analysis, but LIBS stands out as the preferred option across many industries due to its speed, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility. LIBS streamlines the analysis process and produces reliable, detailed results, establishing it as a trusted method for elemental analysis globally. Whether the task involves detecting specific elements, conducting quick on-site assessments, or obtaining detailed depth profiles, LIBS consistently offers outstanding performance and value.
LIBS Technology with AutoJoe®:
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is revolutionizing the mining industry by providing fast, accurate, and comprehensive elemental analysis. Integrated with Oinride’s flagship autonomous robot, AutoJoe®, LIBS offers unprecedented capabilities in the field, from real-time mineral assessment to environmental monitoring. Here’s how LIBS and AutoJoe® are reshaping the mining landscape.
Real-time Mineral Analysis
Mining companies benefit significantly from real-time insights into mineral composition, and LIBS technology is ideal for this purpose. LIBS can analyze ore in the field, identifying valuable mineral deposits on the spot. AutoJoe®, equipped with LIBS, can instantly relay this data, allowing mining teams to make on-the-go decisions to optimize operations, increase yields, and reduce waste.
Grade Control
Ensuring high-quality material extraction is crucial for maximizing profitability. LIBS enables precise monitoring of ore grade, allowing teams to verify that only valuable material is extracted. By deploying AutoJoe® with LIBS capabilities, mining operations can maintain consistent grade control, thus improving productivity and minimizing the extraction of low-value material.
Exploration
The exploration phase of mining is often time-intensive and costly, but LIBS technology can significantly streamline this process. LIBS can rapidly identify mineral deposits, cutting down on exploration time and associated expenses. With AutoJoe® deployed in the field, equipped with LIBS for rapid mineral detection, companies can reduce exploration costs while improving the chances of finding profitable deposits.
Enhanced Safety
Mining environments pose various hazards, from toxic gases to unstable geological formations. AutoJoe®’s integration with LIBS technology adds an essential layer of safety by detecting these potential risks before human workers enter the area. This proactive approach not only prevents accidents but also ensures a safer working environment for the entire team.
Improved Operational Efficiency
LIBS enables on-the-spot analysis of mineral composition, which allows for optimized processes like crushing, grinding, and separation. With real-time insights from AutoJoe® on the material being processed, mining teams can fine-tune their procedures to increase efficiency and lower costs, ultimately enhancing overall productivity.
Environmental Monitoring
Environmental responsibility is more critical than ever, and mining companies must adhere to strict regulations. LIBS offers powerful environmental monitoring capabilities, from assessing soil composition to analyzing water quality. With AutoJoe® providing continuous monitoring in the field, mining companies can ensure regulatory compliance while minimizing environmental impact.
Conclusion
The integration of LIBS technology with Oinride’s autonomous mining robots like AutoJoe® marks a new era in mining. The combination of real-time mineral analysis, enhanced safety, efficiency, and environmental monitoring offers a comprehensive solution for modern mining challenges. As mining companies seek sustainable and productive ways to operate, AutoJoe® with LIBS stands as a vital asset in driving the future of the industry.
References:
[1] How LIBS Stands Out Against LA-ICP-MS | AtomTraceAtomTrace.
[2] LIBS going places in mining – AMTIL
[3]Laser induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for new product development in mining industry – ScienceDirect
[4]Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) .
