Effect of ambient conditions on laser-induced breakdown spectra

The role of different ambient conditions on LIBS signal intensity was investigated for better understanding and performance of LIBS as a quantitative and qualitative analytical technique. For this purpose, the relative LIBS signal intensities were measured for a standard Cr line (520.8 nm) at different gas pressures of Ar, He, and air. The plasma was generated using a Q-switched pulsed Nd:YAG laser having wavelength of 1064 nm and pulse duration of 8 ns. The analysis revealed that the intensities of the spectral atomic Cr line (520.8 nm) were strongly enhanced under the argon environment in 10-40 mbar range. The electron excitation temperature (T (e) ) and number density (n (e) ) were estimated by using a Boltzmann plot and a Stark broadening profile, respectively. For optimum dependence of LIBS, laser energy and pressure dependence was also studied. The electron temperature and number density showed an increase with increase in ambient gas pressure.