Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for analysis of aerosol particles: The path toward quantitative analysis

The application of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for the analysis of aerosol systems is a challenging problem that entails a wide range of physical phenomena that are coupled to the ultimate analyte response. While the analysis of aerosol particles dates back to some of the earliest LIBS studies, the evolution of understanding of the many processes involved in transforming a solid particulate into a collection of dissociated atoms and ions necessary for atomic emission spectroscopy has largely occurred over the last decade. During this time, a number of studies have attempted to elucidate the physics of particle vaporization, dissociation and ionization, diffusion of heat and mass, and ultimately, the resulting atomic emission. This review seeks to summarize the evolution of thought with regard to LIBS-based analysis of aerosol systems and provide insight into future research directions.