Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool for coal fines

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a technique that uses a laser, to focus down and atomize a sample of desired material. Focusing of the laser onto the material causes a plasma formation, which the material is broken down into excited ionic and atomic states. The atoms then emit characteristic optical radiation. Collection of the emitted light can be used to provide information on the elemental composition of the material. This research investigates a fundamental study of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) applied to coal samples, coal fines, and fly ash. During this research, apparatus and methodology were developed to quantify the content of carbon, sulfur, iron and mercury in coal. It was observed carbon and mercury could be quantified using LIBS. A polygonal scanning mirror was added to the LIBS apparatus to observe lifetimes of emission lines. The data showed that each emission line showed different time dependent characteristics within the laser spark.