Experimental investigation on concurrent laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy Raman spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy is a powerful technique that gives molecular and structural characteristics of materials. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a fast elemental detection technique. In this paper these techniques are combined in a single setup and can be recorded at the same time in a single spectrum including both elemental and molecular information. Here, two combined setups are discussed. In the first setup a continuous laser is used for Raman spectroscopy and a pulsed laser for LIBS. In the second setup a single pulsed laser excites both Raman and LIBS signals simultaneously. Raman and LIBS signals are detected in a single spectrum and results of the two setups are compared. Mineral samples have been examined and characterized by these setups. Main elements, impurities, crystal configurations, and molecular vibrations are studied. The quality of LIBS signals with respect to self-reversal effect and continuum emission are discussed. Although using a single pulsed laser is cost effective and easier for application, better results are obtained by a combination of continuous and pulsed lasers.