A COMBINED RAMAN – LIBS SPECTROMETER: TOWARD A MOBILE ATOMIC
AND MOLECULAR ANALYTICAL TOOL FOR IN SITU APPLICATIONS
L. Ancillotti, E. Castellucci, M. Becucci
LENS and Dip. Chimica, Polo Scientifico, Università di Firenze,
50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI) Italy
The recent developments in spectroscopic techniques for diagnostics of materials have
led to the setup of effective experiments for the detection either of atomic or molecular
properties. The elementary analysis of materials can be carried out using completely different
instrumental methods such us PIXE (particle induced X-ray emission), XRF (X-ray
fluorescence) or LIBS (laser induced breakdown spectroscopy) with different merits and
drawbacks. The most practiced technique for molecular analysis is Raman spectroscopy, usually
with microscopic probes and continuous wave excitation.
The aim of our research is to try and combine atomic and molecular analysis in a single
experimental setup with a reduced number of components and the true capability of sampling
the very same area. In this respect, we have foreseen the opportunity given by the combination
of two optical laser methods such as LIBS and Raman that could possibly share the same
excitation and detection system. We will report on experimental limits, advantages and
improvements strategies for this apparatus and the results of its application to real samples.