Investigation on the reduction of self-absorption effects in quantitative analysis using fiber laser ablation laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

In quantitative analysis by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), it is necessary to take account of self-absorption effects on emission line intensity. In this work, a fiber laser ablation LIBS (FLA-LIBS) system was developed to reduce the self-absorption effects and improve the quality of quantitative analysis. The self-absorption degree was estimated for Mg and Ca lines, and a comparison of the calibration curves using LIBS and FLA-LIBS was carried out. The coefficients of determination (R(2)s) of linear calibration curves of Mg and Ca increased from 0.841 and 0.847 in conventional LIBS to 0.954 and 0.859 in FLA-LIBS, respectively. The self-absorption coefficients of Mg and Ca in FLA-LIBS were larger than those in conventional LIBS. And the ratios of Mg and Ca doublet intensity in FLA-LIBS were closer to theoretical values. These results show the great potential of FLA-LIBS in reducing self-absorption effects, especially for high concentration elements.