Breakdown spectroscopy induced by localized microwaves for material identification

Abstract

This letter introduces a localized microwave technique for direct excitation of solid materials for the sake of their identification by atomic emission spectroscopy. The microwave energy is concentrated on the material surface by a microwave‐drill type applicator. The evolved ∼1‐mm3 hotspot is slightly evaporated and excited as plasma. An optical spectrometer measures the atomic emission spectrum, hence enabling the material identification as in the known laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique. The experimental results demonstrate the conceptual feasibility of the localized microwave‐induced breakdown spectroscopy as a low‐cost substitute for the laser‐based LIBS for material identification in scenarios in which a direct contact with the material to be identified and its slight destruction are permitted. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2281–2283, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26272

Plasma column and nano-powder generation from solid titanium by localized microwaves in air

“…The light emitted by the titanium plasma-column, as, for example, in Fig. 2(b), is recorded and analyzed by a calibrated optical spectrometer in the 200-1000 nm spectral range, 45 as shown in Fig. 4.…”

“…The experimental setup of the 2.45-GHz microwave cavity45 with a titanium electrode tilted at 50 with respect to the vertical axis. The vertical source plate is made of titanium.…”

Localized microwave-heating (LMH) of basalt – Lava, dusty-plasma, and ball-lightning ejection by a “miniature volcano”

“…In a more technology-oriented approach, this study of LMH in basalts could be relevant to various potential applications, including for instance (a) microwave-assisted drilling in basalts 20 , (b) cracking and crushing of basalts for mining and construction operations 43 , (c) basalt vitrification, glass production and coating, (d) joining of basalt bricks, (e) direct extraction of minerals in a powder forms by means of dusty-plasma production from basalts, and (f) analyses and identification of rock contents in the field by portable microwave-induced breakdown spectroscopy (MIBS) systems 44 (as a variation of the laser-based LIBS technique 45 ).…”

Observations of Ball-Lightning-Like Plasmoids Ejected from Silicon by Localized Microwaves

“…These findings, although requiring further studies, may advance the multi-disciplinary understanding of the BL enigma. Beside the scientific aspects of the plasmoid and BL studies, derivatives of this work are considered for applications, such as direct conversion of solids to powders in air atmosphere [ 13 ], microwave induced breakdown spectroscopy (MIBS) for material identification [ 26 ], ignition of thermite reactions [ 48 ], environmental applications of the fireball UV and radical emission [ 29 ], developments of nano-battery concepts [ 23 ], micro-sphere production techniques (e.g., for optical applications [ 49 ]), and microwave enhanced combustion processes.…”

“…The optical spectrum emitted by a typical plasmoid ejected from a silicon substrate is shown in Figure 4 . Silicon lines are identified in the emission spectrum (in accordance with the substrate material from which the plasmoid has been ejected [ 26 ]). In addition, spectral emissions of nitric oxide (NO) and hydroxyl ( ) radicals are also observed in Figure 4 , hence these radicals are generated within the plasmoid (as observed also in copper fire-columns [ 13 ]).…”