LIBS ANALYZER SAMPLE PRESENCE DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD

摘要

A LIBS analyzer and method includes a laser configured to produce a plasma on a sample at a focal point on the sample and a spectrometer responsive to radiation emitted from the plasma and configured to produce an output spectrum. A detector is positioned to detect low intensity pre-firing radiation produced by the laser and reflected off the sample from the focal point. The intensity of the low intensity pre-firing radiation is compared to a predetermined minimum and the laser pump sequence is halted if the intensity of the low intensity pre-firing radiation is less than the predetermined minimum.

主权项

1. A LIBS analyzer comprising:
a laser configured to produce a plasma on a sample; a spectrometer responsive to radiation emitted from the plasma; and a controller subsystem configured to control the laser and to:
initiate a laser pump sequence in response to a fire command,analyze radiation to determine if the laser is aimed at a sample,if the analysis reveals the laser is aimed at the sample, continue the laser pump sequence, andif the analysis reveals the laser is not aimed at the sample, halt the laser pump sequence.