SMASMART MATERIAL ANALYSIS
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LIBS = Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Handheld LIBS – when light elements matter

A focused laser pulse creates a micro-plasma on the surface. The emitted light reveals which elements are present – including carbon and light elements.

Principle

LIBS explained simply

01

Laser

02

Plasma

03

Light emission

04

Spectral analysis

05

Element identification

The LIBS process: laser pulse energy absorption, heating, ablation, plasma formation and light emission – with the resulting LIBS spectrum below

1. The laser pulse creates a plasma

A focused laser pulse hits the sample surface: the material absorbs the energy, heats up locally and is ablated. A hot micro-plasma forms at the surface and emits light – leaving behind a tiny crater.

LIBS setup diagram: pulsed laser with focusing lens onto the sample, collection lens, spectrometer and detector array

2. The light reveals the elements

A collection lens guides the plasma light into the spectrometer, which splits it into wavelengths. Every element emits characteristic lines – the instrument derives elements and concentrations from them, including carbon and light elements.

Measurement examples straight from the instrument

Instrument display of a stainless steel 1.4571 measurement: Fe 66.2%, C 0.013%, Mn 1.76%, Si 0.36%, Cr 17.6%, Ni 11.3% with tolerances

Carbon in stainless steel

Measurement of 1.4571: the instrument reads C at 0.013% ± 0.003 right alongside Cr and Ni – carbon is determined together with the alloying elements.

Fe-Cast average display: Fe 94.055%, C 2.638%, Cr 0.306%, Mg 0.020%, Al 0.042% averaged over two measurements

Average of multiple measurements

On cast iron (Fe-Cast) the instrument combines individual readings into an average (AVG) – here C averages 2.638%.

Sorting display PASS: grade 1.7225 confirmed on a green backgroundSorting display FAIL: deviation from target grade 1.7225 on a red background

Sorting with PASS/FAIL

Grade 1.7225 identified: on match the instrument shows PASS on green, on mismatch FAIL on red – the verdict is readable at a glance.

Two Z-902 Carbon measurements: an A106 pipe nipple for HF alkylation service with C 0.230% and a 1/8-inch 316L wire with C 0.015%

Z-902 Carbon in practice

Carbon measurements on an A106 pipe nipple (HF alkylation service, C 0.230%) and a 1/8″ 316L wire (C 0.015%) – even on small parts.

Applications

What handheld LIBS is used for

  • Carbon in steel
  • CEV / carbon equivalent
  • Aluminium
  • Lithium
  • Beryllium
  • Boron
  • Light elements
  • Sorting
  • Metal identification
  • Battery materials
  • Automotive
  • Recycling

Strengths

Carbon and light elements measurable on site, short measurement times, no X-rays.

Limits

Minimally invasive (small burn mark), surface prep often needed, XRF usually better for precious metals.

Safety

Laser safety for LIBS →

SciAps

SciAps LIBS instruments with official product photos

SciAps Z70

LIBS

SciAps Z70

Handheld LIBS for alloy ID including light elements.

AluminiumSorting
SciAps Z901

LIBS

SciAps Z901

Handheld LIBS for metal identification and sorting.

RecyclingPMI
SciAps Z902C+

LIBS

SciAps Z902C+

Handheld LIBS focused on carbon in steel.

CarbonCEVL / H grades
SciAps Z903

LIBS

SciAps Z903

Handheld LIBS for light elements such as Li, Be and B.

LithiumBatteriesGeochemistry
SciAps OneBox

XRF + LIBS

SciAps OneBox

Combined XRF and LIBS concept for the widest application range.

Heavy + light elementsCarbon + precious metals
SciAps  

Automation

SciAps  

XRF and LIBS automation for industrial integration: analysers in a special housing for in-line use on conveyors or production lines, data transfer via the SciAps Remote Control API – control measurements remotely and retrieve results and spectra automatically.

In-lineProcess integrationAPI integration

XRF + LIBS

Why LIBS and XRF complement each other

OneBox concept

XRF + LIBS = broader analytical application range

XRF reliably covers mid and heavy elements and precious metals; LIBS adds carbon and light elements. Together, far more tasks can be solved with portable instruments.

Which instrument fits your application?

Describe your material and task – I'll give you a technical assessment.

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