Temperature and Electron Density Determination on Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Plasmas: A Physical Chemistry Experiment

This laboratory is designed for physical chemistry students to gain experience using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) in understanding plasma diagnostics. LIBS uses a high-powered laser that is focused on the sample causing a plasma to form. The emission of this plasma is then spectrally...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of chemical education 2013-02, Vol.90 (2), p.244-247
Main Authors: Najarian, Maya L, Chinni, Rosemarie C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chemistry
College Science
Density
Electron density
Electrons
Hands on Science
High power lasers
Laboratory Equipment
Laser induced breakdown
Molecular Structure
Organic chemistry
Physical chemistry
Plasma
Plasma diagnostics
Plasmas (physics)
Science education
Science Instruction
Science Laboratories
Scientific Concepts
Spectroscopy
Spectrum analysis
Students
Temperature
Undergraduate Students
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Summary:This laboratory is designed for physical chemistry students to gain experience using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) in understanding plasma diagnostics. LIBS uses a high-powered laser that is focused on the sample causing a plasma to form. The emission of this plasma is then spectrally resolved and detected. Temperature and electron number density of the plasma can be determined from the characteristics of the spectrum. Temperature was calculated using the Boltzmann plot method, whereas electron density was determined from Stark broadening considerations. Students learned how to use the information provided by the LIBS spectrum to obtain plasma temperatures and electron densities for various samples. This experiment is appropriate for a physical chemistry course.
ISSN:0021-9584
1938-1328
DOI:10.1021/ed3003385