Application of fiber optic high repetition rate laser-ablation spark-induced breakdown spectroscopy on the elemental analysis of aluminum alloys

Fiber optic high repetition rate laser-ablation spark-induced breakdown spectroscopy was applied to realize elemental analysis of aluminum alloys. A compact fiber laser was used as source of laser-ablation and spark discharge was used to enhance the atomic emission of the laser-induced plasma. Plasma emission spectra were recorded with a compact fiber spectrometer in a nongated signal recording mode. Calibration curves of Cr, Cu, Mn, Mg, and Zn in aluminum alloys were built under appropriate experimental conditions and the detection limits of these elements were determined to be 4.4, 5.6, 4.9, 8.3, and 31.1 ppm, respectively. Compared to those obtained in fiber optic high repetition rate laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy using the same fiber laser, a 3-18 improvement factor in the detection limit has been demonstrated. This system is compact and cost effective, and the technique can be applied to rapid and convenient element analysis of different alloy samples.