Applied Photonics LIBS-6 User manual

Modular

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)

System

User’s Manual for Example Configuration 1

June 2022

Applied Photonics Ltd

Unit 8 Carleton Business Park, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 2DE, United Kingdom

Tel +44 (0) 1756 708900 Fax +44 (0) 1756 708909 Web: www.appliedphotonics.co.uk

Contents Page

1. Introduction 3

2. Safety 3

2.1 Laser radiation 3

2.2 Note on the laser safety window material used in the modular sample chambers 6

2.3 Electrical 6

3. General description 7

3.1 Overview 7

3.2 Laser beam expander and plasma light collection optics 11

3.3 Right-angle Mirror Module 12

3.4 Attaching the LIBS-6 / LIBS-8 module to a laser 12

3.4.1 Adaptor Platforms 12

3.4.2 Litron Nano SG 150-10 (1064 nm) laser 13

3.4.3 Litron Nano LG 300-10 (1064 nm) laser 14

3.4.4 Configuration options 14

3.5 Modular sample chambers 16

3.5.1 Overview 16

3.5.2 XYZ-750 computer-controlled sample chamber 17

3.5.3 SC-2L modular sample chamber 18

3.6 SpectroModule-6 and SpectroModule-8 multi-channel LIBS spectrometers 20

3.7 Fibre-optic connections 22

3.8 Electrical connections 24

3.9 Imaging camera and associated components 25

3.10 Gas purge feature and air pump 27

3.11 LIBSoft software 28

3.12 System computer specifications 28

3.13 Setting the position of the acrylic nozzle aperture 29

3.14 Adjusting and setting the laser beam focus 30

3.15 Using an energy meter to measure the laser pulse energy 31

3.16 Important note on back-reflections of laser radiation 32

4. Assembly of the LIBS equipment 34

4.1 Introduction 34

4.2 Step-by-Step guide to configuring the LIBS equipment 34

5. Operating procedure 37

5.1 Introduction 37

5.2 Step-by-Step guide to operating the LIBS equipment 37

6. Shut-down procedure 39

7. Operating the LIBS equipment in “open beam” configuration 39

8. Maintenance and inspection 40

9. Shipping and storage 40

10. Trouble-shooting / fault finding 40

1 Introduction

The modular Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) system described in this User’s Manual is

designed to be a highly versatile product for use by research scientists, application engineers and OEMs.

Essentially a “LIBS system building block”, the LIBS-6 and LIBS-8 modules may be used together with a

variety of Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers and optical spectrometers to form a customised, modular LIBS

system tailored to suit the requirements of a specific application or experimental research project. The

LIBS modules remove the need for the research scientist or application engineer to design and construct

their own laser focussing optics and plasma light collection optics by combining these features into a

compact, integrated and easy to use device. An optional imaging kit may be added to the LIBS module,

increasing further its functionality and versatility.

The modular LIBS system described in this User’s Manual comprises the following main components: a

LIBS-6 module fitted with an optional imaging camera (IMG-HR), an AP-Nano adaptor platform, a

Litron Nano SG 150-10 laser, a SpectroModule-6 multi-channel LIBS spectrometer, an SC-2L modular

sample chamber and a computer running LIBSoft software. In some sections of this User’s Manual, the

following components and devices are also described: LIBS-8 module, SpectroModule-8 six-channel

LIBS spectrometer, Litron Nano LG 300-10 laser, an XYZ-750 modular sample chamber and a dual-

camera imaging system (IMG-HR-2).

This User’s Manual provides the necessary information needed to configure the LIBS equipment and how

to operate the equipment safely. It is assumed that the user is familiar with the safety issues arising from

the use of high-power lasers and will have preferably been trained in the safe use of high-power (Class 4)

laser products.

2 Safety

2.1 Laser radiation

The modular LIBS system utilises a high-power Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (Class 4) and so it is

imperative the equipment is operated only by suitably trained and experienced persons who are fully

aware of the hazards inherent to this type of high-power laser equipment. It is imperative also that, prior

to using the equipment, an appropriate risk assessment is conducted in such a way as to take account of

the proposed use of the equipment, the environment in which the equipment is to be operated, and how its

use may affect people who are not directly involved with the use of the equipment.

Example of a laser warning product label

The modular LIBS system is designed to meet the laser safety requirements of the relevant European

standards (BS EN 60825) and USA standards (ANSI Z136.1). Although the modular LIBS system is

supplied with a sample chamber which provides adequate containment of the laser radiation to Class 1

Accessible Emission Limits, it is possible for the user to operate the LIBS equipment without the sample

chamber (i.e. operation in “open beam” mode as may be required for certain types of experiment).

Accordingly, it is necessary to consider the modular LIBS system to be a Class 4 Laser Product and so,

by definition, the equipment poses a risk of personal injury (eye, skin injury) and poses a fire risk. As

with all Class 4 laser products, appropriate safety precautions must be taken as identified via a suitable

risk assessment conducted by the user in consultation with a suitably qualified and experienced Laser

Safety Officer.

The most significant hazard relating to exposure of personnel to the laser radiation is eye injury since

direct or scattered laser radiation produced by the equipment can cause serious and permanent injury to

the eyes including blindness - such injury may be instantaneous. Precautions must be taken to avoid

exposure of personnel to hazardous levels of laser radiation. Such precautions may include the setting up

of a temporary or permanent laser controlled area (e.g. a laser laboratory). Other measures may also be

necessary, as determined by appropriate and thorough assessment of the risks (i.e. a risk assessment)

conducted by the personnel responsible for the safe use of the laser equipment. Consult the User’s

Manual supplied with the laser for further guidance on the safe use of the laser.

The door of the sample chamber is equipped with a dual electrical interlock switch which is designed to

prevent activation of the laser unless the door is fully closed. The door interlock switch is electrically

connected to the “Interlock In/Out” port on the LIBS module via the 9-pin connector located directly

above the laser aperture. The “Interlock In/Out” port connects with the SpectroModule-8 (using the

supplied lead) which in turn is connected to the interlock circuits of the laser power supply. The laser

safety interface between the SpectroModule-8 and the laser power supply depends on the make and model

of laser being used. Throughout this User’s Manual, it is assumed that a Litron NANO SG 150-10 laser

and associated power supply is used, together with an SC-2L 3-axis manually-controlled sample chamber.

Removal of the sample chamber from the LIBS-6 module, or disconnection of the Interlock In/Out lead,

will also activate the interlock (i.e. prevent activation of the laser). The SpectroModule-6 multi-channel

LIBS spectrometer is equipped with an Interlock Override facility (a keyswitch) which allows the

interlock to be disabled so that the LIBS system may be used without a sample chamber (i.e. “open beam”

mode). In view of this, the modular LIBS system must be categorised as a Class 4 laser product since,

by design, the product may be used in such a way that the laser beam is not contained (i.e. “open beam”

mode of operation).If, however, the sample chamber is correctly fitted to the LIBS-6 module and the

Interlock Override keyswitch is switched off and the key removed, then the laser radiation is adequately

contained to Class 1 Accessible Emission Limits by the design of the hardware.

IMPORTANT

•READ and UNDERSTAND both this User’s Manual and the instructions provided by the

manufacturer of the laser before operating the LIBS equipment.

•ENSURE that an appropriate risk assessment has been conducted to establish whether or not the

laser safety windows fitted to the modular sample chambers provide adequate protection against

exposure to laser radiation for the specific laser you intend to use with the LIBS equipment.

For advice on this matter, consult your Laser Safety Officer and/or Applied Photonics Ltd.

•ONLY suitably qualified and authorised persons should activate the Interlock Override keyswitch.

The key should be removed from the keyswitch and held by the Laser Safety Officer when this

feature is not required.

•ALWAYS use appropriate laser safety protective eyewear when operating the LIBS equipment in

“open-beam” configuration –you should seek advice from your Laser Safety Officer on this

matter.

•ALWAYS switch the laser off when not in use and remove the key from the keyswitch of the laser

power supply to prevent unauthorised activation.

•ALWAYS thoroughly inspect the LIBS equipment for damage prior to use. Particular attention

should be given to the laser safety windows and the laser safety interlock system, which should be

tested each time the equipment is used.

•NEVER allow unauthorised and/or untrained persons operate the LIBS equipment.

•NEVER operate the LIBS equipment in areas where explosive gas mixtures may be present.

•NEVER operate the LIBS equipment with any access cover, panel, or protective window

removed.

•NEVER place inside the sample chamber flammable liquids or any other material which may give

rise to flammable / explosive gas mixtures. Activation of the laser under these conditions could

result in an explosion leading to severe personal injury and/or fire hazard. Remember that the

laser-induced plasma is a source of ignition.

•NEVER point the LIBS laser beam at a person (even with laser switched off), especially towards

the eyes, even if the person is wearing laser safety eyewear. The laser should be considered

“active” unless the laser power supply is fully deactivated.

•NOTE that the transparent acrylic nozzle aperture of the LIBS-6 or LIBS-8 module does not

provide any protection to the user against exposure to direct or scattered laser radiation. The

function of the nozzle aperture is described later in this User’s Manual.

Image of LIBS-6 module showing location of laser warning

indicator lights, laser aperture and warning label

Laser warning

indicator lights

Laser aperture

warning label

Laser aperture

Transparent nozzle

aperture

Electrical connection to

SpectroModule-6 (-8) or

Interlock Interface Unit

Camera setup

joystick

LED

intensity

Electrical

connection to

sample chamber

2.2 Note on the laser safety window material used in the modular sample chambers

The laser safety window material fitted to the sample chamber is rated as follows:

Laser

Wavelength

(nm)

USA Standard

ANSI Z 136.1 –2014

UK & European Standard

BS EN 207:2017

Optical

Density

Protection Level R

(Q-switched laser)

1064

OD 6+

355

OD 5+

266

OD 5+

R L6 at 1064 nm indicates a protection level of maximum spectral transmittance of 10-6 at 1064 nm for a

pulsed laser of pulse length 10-9 –10-7 seconds (i.e. a Q-switched laser).

The laser safety windows used in Applied Photonics Ltd’s range of modular sample chambers provide

adequate protection against scattered laser light of wavelength 1064 nm, 355 nm and 266 nm such that

Class 1 Accessible Emission Limits are met if the sample chamber is used correctly and laser pulse

energies are not excessively high (i.e. typically less than 300 mJ with a 5 - 10 ns pulse length). Note that

the protective windows are NOT suitable for use with a 532 nm laser. Given that the LIBS-6 and LIBS-8

modules may be used with a variety of lasers, it is the responsibility of the user to conduct a risk

assessment to establish whether or not the laser safety windows provide adequate protection for the

particular laser being used. If in any doubt, you should consult your Laser Safety Officer and/or Applied

Photonics Ltd for advice on this matter.

Warning –the Applied Photonics Ltd modular sample chambers are designed specifically for use

with our LIBS-6 / LIBS-8 integrated LIBS modules and our LIBSCAN range of products and

should not be used with any other laser device or product. If in doubt, seek advice from the

manufacturer, Applied Photonics Ltd.

2.3 Electrical

The LIBS-6 and LIBS-8 integrated LIBS modules, the SpectroModule-6 / SpectroModule-8 multi-

channel LIBS spectrometer and the XYZ-750 modular sample chamber contain electrical circuits

operating at 12 VDC at a maximum current of 5 Amps. Accordingly, they pose no electric shock risk.

The laser head and associated power supply, however, contain electrical circuits operating at potentially

lethal voltage and current levels. Consult the manufacturer’s User Manual supplied with the laser for

further guidance on the safe use and routine maintenance of the laser.

3 General description

3.1 Overview

The modular LIBS system used in Example Configuration 1 consists of the following main components:

•LIBS-6 module (1064 nm) Qty 1

•Right-angle mirror module (1064 nm) Qty 1

•Adaptor Platform (AP-Nano) Qty 1

•Litron Nano SG 150-10 laser (1064 nm) Qty 1

•SpectroModule-6 multi-channel LIBS spectrometer Qty 1

•SC-2L manually-controlled sample chamber Qty 1

•Imaging kit IMG-HR (single camera) Qty 1

•LIBSoft software Qty 1

In addition to the above components, for completeness this User’s Manual includes information on

selected other components such as a LIBS-8 module, a SpectroModule-8 spectrometer, an XYZ-750

computer-controlled sample chamber and a dual-camera imaging system (IMG-HR-2).

The main components of the LIBS-6 and LIBS-8 integrated LIBS module are illustrated in the following

figures. The LIBS-8 module is essentially identical to the LIBS-6 module except that it has eight plasma

light collection channels rather than six.

The LIBS modules include the following features:

•Plasma light collection lens array (six or eight channels) having a relatively large depth-of-field to

allow efficient light collection even when the plasma position varies by approximately ±3 mm

along the optic axis of laser beam.

•3-lens laser beam expander with adjustable focus (adjustment of focal plane made by rotating the

brass beam expander lens holder via the cut-way in the laser beam tube –adjustment range of

approx. 14 mm).

•Adjustable nozzle aperture which provides a convenient means of setting the distance to the

sample surface (adjustment range of approx. 14 mm). The nozzle aperture may be removed if this

feature is not required.

•Gas-purge port (accepts 4 mm flexible nylon tube) which may be used to feed inert gas (e.g.

argon, helium, nitrogen) to the sample surface. To ensure purge gas is directed to the sample, it is

necessary to fit the nozzle aperture.

•Optional miniature CMOS colour video camera with array of dimmable high-brightness white

LEDs for illuminating sample surface.

•Laser safety interlock with keyswitch operated override facility (via the SpectroModule-6 or

SpectroModule-8 multi-channel LIBS spectrometer or an Interlock Interface Unit if an alternative

spectrometer is used).

•Compatible with the Applied Photonics Ltd (APL) range of modular sample chambers.

Laser

warning

light

Transparent

nozzle

aperture

Plasma light

collection

lens holder

Threaded

ring

Front

bulkhead

Camera

housing

High-

intensity

LEDs

Optics

array

Gas-purge

port

Electrical connection

(to sample chamber)

High-intensity

LED dimmer

control

Laser

interlock

connection

Tie-bar

Laser beam tube

Lock

screw

Fibre-optic

cable

Beam

expander

Rear

bulkhead

Electronics enclosure

Cut-away to allow adjustment

of laser focus

Front view of LIBS-8 module showing plasma light collection lens array,

CMOS 2.5 MP camera, LED lights, laser aperture and gas purge outlet

Front view of LIBS-6 module showing plasma light collection lens array,

CMOS 2.5 MP camera, LED lights, laser aperture and gas purge outlet

Miniature CMOS

2.5 MP camera

(optional feature)

Two high-brightness white

LED lights

(optional feature as part of

the IMG-HR kit)

Circular array of eight lens

holders –used to collect

plasma light. The purple lens

holder is for collection of

Deep-UV, the blue lens

holders are for collection of

UV-VIS while the red lens

holders are for collection of

VIS-NIR.

Laser warning

indicator lights

Electrical connection

to sample chamber

Laser beam expander

and output aperture

Grub screw for locking

aperture nozzle (do not

over-tighten)

Gas purge outlet

Four high-brightness white

LED lights

(optional feature as part of

the IMG-HR kit)

Circular array of six lens

holders –used to collect

plasma light. The purple lens

holder is for collection of

Deep-UV, the blue lens

holders are for collection of

UV-VIS while the red lens

holders are for collection of

VIS-NIR.

Gas purge outlet

Other manuals for LIBS-6

This manual suits for next models

Table of contents

Other Applied Photonics Laboratory Equipment manuals

Applied Photonics

Applied Photonics LIBSCAN 25+ User manual

Popular Laboratory Equipment manuals by other brands

Qiagen

Qiagen DML 3000 user manual

Queensgate

Queensgate NANOSCAN OP400 Quick start instructions

Conviron

Conviron GEN1000-GE Operator's manual

Parr Instrument

Parr Instrument 4560 Operating instructions manual

IKA

IKA IC control operating instructions

Integra

Integra DOSE IT operating instructions

Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies 5800 ICP-OES user guide

Endress+Hauser

Endress+Hauser Cleanfit CPA875 operating instructions

NI PXI-5422 CALIBRATION PROCEDURE

Collomix

Collomix Aqix operating instructions

SPEX SamplePrep

SPEX SamplePrep 6875 Freezer/Mill Series operating manual

Ocean Insight

Ocean Insight FLAME-NIR+ Installation and operation manual

Parker

Parker ALIGN-MG-NA Installation, operation and maintenance manual

BD 644787 user guide

DENTAURUM

DENTAURUM Compact Megaplus Instructions for use

Biuged Laboratory Instruments

Biuged Laboratory Instruments BGD 626 instruction manual

VWR

VWR SAS Super IAQ instruction manual

illumina

illumina MiSeqDx reference guide