Spectrometer System detects most elements in periodic table.

Press Release Summary:



Laser-induced LIBS-ELITE provides real-time spectral analysis of elements in variety of materials. It covers 200-980 nm spectral range at 0.1 nm in single laser pulse. System includes 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser, sample mapping and targeting functions, X-Y sample positioning, laser spot diameter control from 20 µm to 1,200 µm, sample magnification, and sample chamber with gas purge. Open-architecture housing accommodates sample sizes up to 4 in. in dia.



Original Press Release:


LIBS-ELITE Offers Unprecedented System Configuration Flexibility and Precise Sample Control


Dunedin, Fla., April 2005 - The Ocean Optics LIBS-ELITE is a fully integrated laser-induced breakdown spectrometer platform that provides real-time, high- resolution spectral analysis of elements in a variety of materials. The high- speed system covers the 200-980 nm spectral range at 0.1 nm (FWHM) in a single laser pulse, and can be used in applications that range from education to environmental sampling to forensic sample testing.

The LIBS-ELITE incorporates Ocean Optics HR2000 High-resolution Spectrometers and New Wave Research's Universal Platform (UP) Ablation Chamber to offer numerous configuration options and precise sample position control. The system's features include a high-power 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser, sample mapping and targeting functions, precise X-Y sample positioning, laser spot diameter control from 20 µm to 1200 µm, high-resolution sample magnification and a sample chamber with a gas purge for increased sensitivity.

The LIBS-ELITE uses seven Ocean Optics HR2000 High-resolution Spectrometers to provide full spectral analysis from 200-980 nm -- for detection of virtually all elements in the Periodic Chart -- with optical resolution of 0.1 nm (FWHM) and sensitivity to parts per billion.

The spectrometers, sample chamber, X-Y stage and laser head are combined in an open-architecture housing that can accommodate various sample chambers and sample sizes up to 4" in diameter. A gas port enables the sample chamber to be purged with nitrogen, helium or argon to increase system sensitivity and to measure the emission of elements normally found in ambient environments. An integrated rotometer regulates gas flow.

The system's X-Y stage can position a target in 1 5m increments, precision that makes the LIBS-ELITE ideal for surface analysis, bulk analysis and sample homogeneity. The laser spot size controller can be used to set the diameter of the ablation spot from 20 5m to 1200 5m. Smaller spot sizes are available.

The LIBS-Elite comes with New Wave Research's Tempest 200 mJ Nd:YAG laser. Options include double-pulsed and less-powerful lasers. The Tempest delivers high-energy densities to the sample to create plasma from even the most challenging materials. Its innovative resonator-flat beam allows for improved depth profiling and control. The accuracy and precision of the LIBS- ELITE System relies on the pulse-to-pulse stability of the laser; the Tempest achieves 98% stability. The Tempest includes a laser power meter and an attenuator, useful for quantitative analysis.

The LIBS-ELITE offers high-resolution sample magnification, a feature that allows a user to view an exact spot on the sample where a laser ablation will occur. Optical targeting is useful in applications such as semiconductor analysis, where pinpoint accuracy for trace-line analysis is crucial, or for forensics, when a very small amount of sample is available.

The LIBS-ELITE comes with intuitive operating software and the OOILIBS Library of persistent elemental emission lines that enables automatic identification of all elements present in a sample. The software includes controls for ablation mode, laser power, laser repetition rate, crater ablation size selection and more.

For more information, contact Ocean Optics, Inc., 830 Douglas Avenue, Dunedin, FL 34698, 727.733.2447, Fax 727.733.3962, Info@OceanOptics.com. Or visit our website at OceanOptics.com.

Ocean Optics is a leading supplier of solutions for optical sensing - fundamental methods of measuring and interpreting the interaction of light with matter. Our vision is to expand the frontiers of optical sensing and to make it the foundation on which innovative, life-changing ideas are built. We improve many facets of life by enabling medical research, environmental monitoring, entertainment technology and educational applications. Since 1989, Ocean Optics has sold more than 50,000 spectrometers worldwide and has developed an extensive line of complementary technologies that includes chemical sensors, analytical instrumentation, optical fibers and thin films and optics. Ocean Optics is part of the Halma Group of safety and detection companies, a U.K.-based multinational with 2003 sales of over $500 million.

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