[INVITED] Signal and noise in Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy: An introductory review. (May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tognoni, Elisabetta; Cristoforetti, Gabriele
• Is Part Of: Optics & laser technology. Volume 79(2016)
• Page Start: 164
• Page End: 172
• Publication Date: 2016-05
• Subjects: Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy -- Signal -- Noise -- Fluctuations -- Normalization; Optics -- Periodicals; Lasers -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 621.366
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optlastec.2015.12.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0030-3992

Abstract

Abstract: Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) has become a very popular technique for elemental analysis thanks to its ease of use. However, LIBS users often report poor repeatability of the signal, due to shot-to-shot fluctuations, and consequent not satisfactory limits of detection. In many practical cases, these shortcomings are difficult to control because the signal is affected by several noise sources that cannot be reduced simultaneously. Hopefully, there is a large amount of knowledge, accumulated during several decades, that can provide guidelines to reduce the effect of the single sources of fluctuations. Experimental setup and measurement settings can be optimized on purpose. Spectral data can be processed in order to better exploit the information contained. In the current paper several approaches to improve the analytical figures-of-merit are reviewed and the respective advantages and drawbacks are discussed. Highlights: The review provides new users with basic knowledge of the noise sources in LIBS. Proper design of experimental setup and measurement protocol reduces fluctuations. Normalization strategies offer additional help to reduce noise in LIBS spectral data.