Title: Impurity Detection in Metallic Samples Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)
Authors: Mohammedain Adm Alhgabo Belal
Aladein Mohammed Daoud Mohaoud
Aldosogy Omar Hamed
Ali Saleh Ali Saleh Salma Adam Hassan Ali
-Adam .M.A Bakheet
-Mona A. Abdalrasool and-Abdalsakhi.S. Mohammed
Volume: 10
Issue: 3
Pages: 15-20
Publication Date: 2026/03/28
Abstract:
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) was employed to identify and quantify trace impurities in five metallic samples (gold, aluminum, cobalt, iron, and lead), each weighing 5 g. To enhance detection sensitivity and isolate non-matrix emission lines, the reference spectrum of each pure metal was subtracted from the corresponding sample spectrum. The resulting impurity spectra were analyzed using known atomic transition parameters, and the corresponding element concentrations were determined through calibration curves. The gold sample exhibited moderate levels of O, Hg, S, Ca, and Cl, whereas the aluminum sample showed significant contamination by, Mg, F, Cl, and Si, consistent with alloying processes and surface treatment. The cobalt sample exhibited high purity, with all detected impurities present at concentrations below 0.2 ppm. The iron sample exhibited the highest impurity concentrations, primarily consisting of Si and Mg, confirming its alloyed nature. The lead sample showed low-level contamination by, Ca, In, Zn, and Sn. The results demonstrate that LIBS, combined with reference spectrum subtraction, provides a rapid, sensitive, and reliable approach for impurity detection in metallic materials.