Detection limits for laser absorption spectroscopy of Li in laser ablation plumes

Mark C. Phillips, Elizabeth J. Kautz, Sivanandan S. Harilal

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

A high-sensitivity laser absorption spectroscopy (LAS) method is demonstrated for rapid and non-contact analysis of Li in solids. Glass samples with Li concentrations ranging from 1 to 500 ppm by mass are ablated in 5 Torr air, and time-resolved Li atomic absorption is measured using a tunable laser near 671 nm. Significant improvements in analytical performance over prior laser-induced breakdown techniques are demonstrated. A single-shot limit of detection (LOD) of 180 ppb is shown for fixed-wavelength operation, improving to 6 ppb with averaging over 1000 ablation shots (100 s acquisition time). Isotope-resolved Li absorption spectra are measured with a 17 ppb LOD in 40 s. Methods for optimizing LOD based on noise/averaging properties of LAS experiments in LA plumes are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3349-3352
Number of pages4
JournalOptics letters
Volume50
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - May 15 2025

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

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