Functional principle of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is an optical analysis technique used to determine the elemental composition of materials. A short, high-energy laser pulse is focused onto the surface of the sample. The intense energy creates a hot plasma, which emits light in the UV, visible, and near-infrared range.

This emitted light contains characteristic spectral lines corresponding to the elements present in the material. Using a suitable optical setup and a fiber optic cable, the light is directed into a spectrometer, where it is spectrally analyzed. This enables real-time, qualitative and quantitative analysis of the sample — with no complex sample preparation required.

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Fundamentals and Applications

Book Title
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Publisher
Springer Cham
Hardcover ISBN
978-3-031-85369-2
Due: 07 August 2025
Edition Number
2

Book Subtitle
Fundamentals and Applications
eBook Packages
Physics and Astronomy, Physics and Astronomy (R0)
Softcover ISBN
978-3-031-85372-2
Due: 07 August 2026
Number of Pages
XII, 785

Authors
Reinhard Noll
Copyright Information
The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025
eBook ISBN
978-3-031-85370-8
Due: 07 August 2025
Number of Illustrations
412 b/w illustrations, 114 illustrations in color

📖 About this book

This book provides a comprehensive presentation of the fundamentals, process parameters, equipment and applications of laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIBS). It describes the interactions between focused laser radiation and the measured object, in particular the effects of multiple pulses on material ablation, plasma dynamics and emission. These findings form the basis for quantitative multi-element analysis in solids, liquids and gases.

The second, expanded edition contains numerous innovations and insights into modern applications: from the volume analysis of different materials to spatially resolved element imaging and the chemical identification of moving objects. Remote measurements in all states of matter are also covered.

The book describes various LIBS systems – from laboratory equipment and inline measurement technology in industry to mobile and long-distance measurement systems. Practical examples and case studies are used to illustrate the industrial benefits of LIBS for process control and quality assurance.

The second edition is aimed at scientists, engineers and students. It provides in-depth physical knowledge about LIBS and combines this with current developments from industrial practice.

Contains: 524 illustrations, 110 tables, 1085 references.

👤 About the author

Prof. Dr. Reinhard Noll studied physics at the Technical University of Darmstadt (now TU Darmstadt), where he completed his diploma in 1980 and his doctorate in 1984. As a pioneer of laser technology, he co-founded the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT) in Aachen in 1985. There he headed the department for laser measurement technology and was later head of the division for measurement technology and EUV sources as well as a member of the institute’s management.

In 2012, Prof. Noll habilitated at RWTH Aachen University in the field of laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIBS) and received the Venia Legendi for “Laser measurement technology for inline process diagnostics”. He has been an adjunct professor at RWTH Aachen University since 2017. In 2021, he was honored with the International LIBS Summit Award for his work on quantification using LIBS.

Prof. Noll has been Head of Research and Development at Laser Analytical Systems & Automation GmbH since 2022. With 196 scientific publications, 5 books and 40 patents, he is one of the leading minds in his field. In addition to his academic activities, he is a co-founder of two companies, an active member of scientific committees at international LIBS conferences and a reviewer for specialist journals and EU research projects. He is a member of the German Physical Society.