Raymax Applications has announced the supply and service of analytical instruments from Applied Spectra Inc.
As the leading supplier of analytical instruments, Applied Spectra stands at the forefront of laser ablation-based elemental analysis techniques, simplifying the process of elemental chemical analysis, while delivering rapid, high-precision results that are environmentally friendly. Today, laser analysis offers a compelling value proposition over traditional chemical analysis methods.
A case of taking chemical analysis into space was the arrival on Mars, of NASA’s Curiosity Rover. Deploying a LIBS instrument, named ChemCam, it is analysing the chemical composition of the Martian terrain. Scientists from Applied Spectra worked in partnership with NASA to develop the instrument. An integrated module, ChemCam includes a laser, telescope, a stereo pair of navigation cameras, and a three-channel optical spectrometer inside the rover itself (just to name some parts). The instrument permits Curiosity can take thousands of LIBS spectra a day and perform rapid elemental analysis of rocks and soils remotely making chemical analysis on the surface of Mars with unprecedented speed and communicating the results back to Earth.
“Aside from this spectacular contribution to space exploration, Applied Spectra continue to develop their instruments making available elemental and isotopic detection capabilities that range from parts per million (ppm) down to the level of parts per billion (ppb), and across virtually all elements in the periodic table,” says John Grace, Managing Director of Raymax. “What this means, is the instrument can target and obtain ablated samples from material that is of the order of one or two microns is size,” Grace adds. “We are particularly excited to offer the J200 Series LIBS and LA-ICP-MS platforms that are designed to allow the use of different laser parameters for sample analysis, extending the applicability over a wide range of sample matrices.”
So, what is LA? Laser ablation (LA) is a process where a laser beam is focused on a sample surface to remove material to enable chemical analysis. LA generates a bright ‘plasma’ on the sample’s surface. The light emitted from this plasma can be analysed to determine the presence and concentration levels of elements in the period table. This process is known as LIBS.
LA also creates a ‘flux’ of fine particulates that can be readily transported to a secondary source for ICP-MS analysis (LA-ICP-MS). What is LIBS? Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a rapid chemical analysis technology that uses a short laser pulse to create a microplasma on the sample surface. Currently used on Mars! And what is LA-ICP-MS? Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry is a powerful analytical technology that enables highly sensitive elemental and isotopic analysis to be performed directly on solid samples.
“The technology available in Applied Spectra instruments is already in use across Australia,” says Grace, “with installations of the RESOlution-SE. Incorporating the latest ATL laser technology with exceptional software, these instruments are being used for opportunities this laser technology now makes available.”
| LA, LIBS and LA-ICP-MS applications | |
| Alternative energy manufacturing | solar cells, next-generation batteries, chemical analysis and metrology |
| Environmental analysis | detecting contaminants, and hazardous substances, and studying the carbon cycle |
| Forensic science | substance discrimination, counterfeit analysis, and nuclear material characterisation |
| Analytical research | development of LIBS and LA-ICP-MS analytical protocols, and supporting the R&D community |
Clean power generation
Today there is a real need for cleaner power generation to meet the growing demand on power along with complying with strict environmental regulatory requirements. Fast analytical techniques such as LIBS for assessing coal properties to optimize power generation, ensure complete combustion, and determine fly ash and volatile content, are becoming essential. In addition, rapid analytical technology is equally critical for monitoring the structural integrity of the power plant steel pipes as they age, to ensure the safety of the plant operation.
Analysing cast iron with LIBS
The strength and durability of steel is largely determined by its carbon content. Carbon which is typically present from 2 – 4% in cast irons occurs in various forms that range from tiny graphite spheroids (nodular cast iron) to large flakes (grey iron). Measuring the amount of carbon is important because of how it affects steel. A higher carbon content makes steel harder, but it is less malleable and more likely to break. A further consideration is that high carbon content decreases the melting point of steel. Hence the accuracy of measuring carbon and other alloy elements in cast iron is important to the end user. The J200 LIBS instrument from Applied Spectra uses short laser pulses to deliver high power density into the sample surface to directly excite tough materials like carbon flakes for accurate and rapid quantitative analysis. The J200 LIBS provides users with a quality control tool able to classify metal and metal alloy samples based on fingerprint-like LIBS spectra on specific metal products.
Quality control of next-generation batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are found in electronic devices from our smartphones, tablets, and cameras to power tools and e-scooters. They are constantly evolving into smaller, lightweight forms, yet power output and battery life have become increasingly demanding. Lithium-ion cells are made up of electrolytes and two electrodes (a cathode and an anode) on which LIBS technology can perform depth profiling analysis in the lab or on the factory floor.
Impurities and variations of the active material chemistry may cause an accelerated reduction in battery capacity with battery cycling and even result in a thermal runaway with the battery catching fire or exploding. The recent spate of e-scooter fires across Australia could be the result of defective batteries. Fortunately, the performance specifications for the Lithium-ion battery are far more stringent for automotive applications with respect to power density, energy density, cycle life, and reliability. Applied Spectra’s J200 LIBS instruments provide real-time analysis of raw Li-ion battery electrode materials making analysis of the composition of raw materials easy.
Improving forensic science
In a world where forensic analysis of artifacts from a crime scene is under intense scrutiny. The provision of forensic analysis tools that produce scientifically valid results and can reduce the potential for mistakes, is important to resolving criminal offenses. Technology tested in the scientific world is helping investigators understand crime scenes and identify suspects by using LIBS to analyse trace evidence on sources of glass, paint chips, hair, soil particles, ink, narcotics, and even gunshot residue. Criminal investigators in America are showing increased use of two tools, namely the LA-ICP-MS and LIBS instruments from Applied Spectra. The J200 Tandem LA-LIBS instrument offers both processes in one station and can provide information about the composite elements of a sample, offer high sensitivity, and discriminate among tiny samples with a limited mass in a few seconds. Accurate, fast sample analysis has the advantage of speeding up the preparation of forensic evidence.
Keeping soils healthy
Today the world is faced with the challenges of supplying adequate staple crops to sustain the growth in human consumption. This challenge requires analysis of the fertilizers used actually support quality crop yields, and do not contain contaminants hazardous to human health. Direct solid samples of fertilizer are possible using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, or LIBS. Using a single laser pulse, it is possible to detect a ‘finger-print’ that represents atomic or molecular species in the fertilizer samples. Elemental analysis for quality control of fertilizers before applying them to the soil is crucial to verify the proper content of macro and micro-nutrients and the level of any toxic elements.
“Applied Spectra provides a range of systems to meet and even exceed elemental and isotopic analysis needs,” Grace says. “These are just some of the examples of applications, more is possible! With Applied Spectra we have the expertise to offer your team to help guide and train you on the use of this reliable, innovative hardware with its unprecedented software and background of trustworthy support,” concludes Grace.