Quantitative analysis of soda-lime glass by the LIBS technique based on the TEA CO<inf>2</inf> laser

Abstract

The present work studies the capability of a Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) system based on a Transversely Excited Atmospheric pressure (TEA) CO2 laser for quantitative analysis of soda-lime glass. Calibration curves of Cd, Co, Cr and Cu were constructed using the ratio of the analyte emission line intensity to the line intensity of the internal standard. Coefficients of determination R2 were in the range from 0.969 to 0.983, depending on the element. The accuracy of LIBS results was confirmed by X-ray spectrometry (XRF). Limits of detection (LODs) for several elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ti and Ca) were estimated (typical values in range of 13‐24 ppm were obtained). The Stark-broadening and two ionic lines intensity ratio were used to determine electron number density and excitation temperature. Profilometric measurements showed the low destructiveness typical for LIBS technique, without glass damage such as shattering and cracking.