Large area mapping of non-metallic inclusions in stainless steel by an automated system based on laser ablation

• Published in: Spectrochimica acta. Part B: Atomic spectroscopy 2004-04, Vol.59 (4), p.567-575
• Main Authors: Cabalı́n, L.M., Mateo, M.P., Laserna, J.J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Large area mapping; Laser-induced plasma spectrometry; Materials characterization; Stainless steel
• ISSN: 0584-8547; 1873-3565
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sab.2004.01.014

Large area compositional mapping (>6 mm 2) using a fast and automated system based on laser-induced plasma spectrometry is presented. The second harmonic of a flat top Nd:YAG laser beam was used to generate a microline plasma on the sample surface. The emitted light from the microline plasma was imaged onto the entrance slit of an imaging spectrograph and was detected by an intensified charge-coupled device to generate a spatially and spectrally resolved data set. Individual LIPS images, each measuring roughly 2500×2500 μm with spatial resolution of 50 μm between adjacent craters and 4.8 μm along the microline are presented. These large area maps were acquired in less than 1 min. Steel samples containing MnS and TiN inclusions were chosen as the most adequate for this study. The results are presented for the characterization of inclusionary material in stainless steel products in terms of morphology, distribution and abundance.