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Project Leader
Mohamad Sabsabi
Phone: 450-641-5113
Fax: 450-641-5106
Email: Mohamad.Sabsabi@imi.cnrc-nrc.gc.ca
Business Contact
Ngoc Huynh
Phone: 450-641-5135
Fax: 450-641-5104
Email: ngoc.huynh@imi.cnrc-nrc.gc.ca
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)
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Optical Sensing Technology for Rapid On-site Chemical Analysis
Many attributes of the LIBS technique make it ideal for rapid on-site analysis of solid, liquid, or gas. The LIBS team at IMI, one of the most active worldwide, is pushing the limits of the technology, collaborating with industry to meet new challenges, developing prototype instruments for use at industrial sites and continuing its pioneering work in the pharmaceutical sector in collaboration with its spin-off company, Pharma Laser.
The LIBS Technique
When a powerful laser beam is focused on a sample, some matter is vaporized and a hot spark (plasma) is formed. Light emitted by the plasma is composed of spectral lines characteristic of the elements present in the sample. By spectrally analyzing this light, it is possible to deduce the elemental composition of the material under study. Moreover, the proportionality of spectral line intensity to elemental concentration enables quantitative analysis. The main attributes of this technique are:
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Solids, liquids and gases can be analyzed without sample preparation
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In-situ, real-time (rapid) analysis
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Stand-off analysis (only optical access is required)
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Field-portable
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High resolution (mm)
LIBS Applications
LIBS now has demonstrated capabilities for the detection and quantification of analytes in a large range of matrices.
Solids
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Liquids
Gases
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Many of our industrial partners have achieved high return on investment through increased productivity or cost reduction by using the LIBS technology.
Recent Scientific and Technological DevelopmentsIn addition to industrial applications and prototype development, the LIBS team at IMI is also carrying out basic research aimed at lowering the detection limits of LIBS from the ppm to the ppb range and at widening its range of applicability. This R&D effort has led to new intellectual property. Here are examples of recent developments:
Partnership OpportunitiesThe LIBS team at IMI strongly encourages collaborative R&D with industry, academia and other governmental agencies. We offer services ranging from precompetitive R&D to specific feasibility studies, as well as development and in-plant installation of prototypes adapted to specific manufacturing needs |
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Dr. Mohamad Sabsabi |
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Ngoc Huynh, Eng., M.A.Sc., M.B.A. |
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