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Comparison of detection limits, for two metallic matrices, of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy in the single and double-pulse configurations

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Abstract

Limits of detection have been studied for several elements in aluminium and steel alloys, at atmospheric pressure in air, by use of the single and collinear double-pulse configurations of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. For this purpose, calibration plots were constructed for Mg, Al, Si, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, and Cu using a set of certified aluminium alloy samples and a set of certified steel samples. The investigation included optimization of the experimental conditions to furnish the best signal-to-noise ratio. Inter-pulse delay, gate width, and acquisition delay were studied. The detection limits for the elements of interest were calculated under the optimum conditions for the double-pulse configuration and compared with those obtained under the optimum conditions for single-pulse configuration. Significantly improved detection limits were achieved, for all the elements investigated, and in both aluminium and steel, by use of the double-pulse configuration. The experimental findings are discussed in terms of the measured plasma conditions (particle and electron density, and temperature).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences (NILES), Cairo University, Giza, Egypt

    Marwa A. Ismail & Mohamed A. Harith

  2. Applied Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory, Institute for Chemical-Physical Processes of CNR, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy

    Gabriele Cristoforetti, Stefano Legnaioli, Lorenzo Pardini, Vincenzo Palleschi, Azenio Salvetti & Elisabetta Tognoni

Authors
  1. Marwa A. Ismail
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  2. Gabriele Cristoforetti
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  3. Stefano Legnaioli
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  4. Lorenzo Pardini
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  5. Vincenzo Palleschi
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  6. Azenio Salvetti
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  7. Elisabetta Tognoni
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  8. Mohamed A. Harith
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Correspondence to Elisabetta Tognoni.

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Ismail, M.A., Cristoforetti, G., Legnaioli, S. et al. Comparison of detection limits, for two metallic matrices, of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy in the single and double-pulse configurations. Anal Bioanal Chem 385, 316–325 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-006-0363-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-006-0363-z

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