Abstract

When a powerful laser pulse is focused in air, a bright, free-standing plasma is formed. By measuring the intensities of characteristic emission lines, elemental analysis can be performed in a manner similar to other emission-based techniques. Like other optical emission-based analysis techniques, laser spark spectroscopy can provide rapid and simultaneous measurements of many elements at once. However, the laser spark has the additional ability to perform remote, insitu, measurements. Also, the laser spark vaporizes molecules and small aerosols, allowing measurement of both gaseous and particulate phases. These abilities make the laser air spark an attractive technique for applications such as monitoring toxic metal emissions from incinerator or power plant stacks.

© 1996 Optical Society of America