Application of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for Depth Profiling of Multilayer and Graded Materials

Abstract

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has emerged as a powerful analytical method for the elemental mapping and depth profiling of many materials. This review offers insight into the contemporary applications of LIBS for the depth profiling of materials whose elemental composition changes either abruptly (multilayered materials) or continuously (functionally graded or corroded materials). The spectrum of materials is discussed, spanning from laboratory-synthesized model materials to real-world products including materials for fusion reactors, photovoltaic cells, ceramic and galvanic coatings, lithium batteries, historical and archaeological artifacts, and polymeric materials. The nuances of ablation conditions and the resulting crater morphologies, which are instrumental in depth-related studies, are discussed in detail. The challenges of calibration and quantitative profiling using LIBS are also addressed. Finally, the possible directions of the evolution of LIBS applications are commented on.

A Novel LIBS Sensor for Sample Examinations on a Crime Scene

“…Automotive paint typically contains four layers: electrocoat primer on metal, primer surfacer, basecoat, and a clear (top) coat. Among the most interesting tools for chemical analysis of layered materials, there are micro-XRF technique [ 37 ] and LIBS [ 38 ], where the latter has an advantage of a higher analytical sensitivity, detecting also light elements and having much better in-depth resolution [ 39 ].…”