Revolutionizing Transparent Material Analysis: Successful Detection of Beryllium in Crystal with LIBS

Characterizing transparent materials has long been a challenge in materials science. Their unique optical properties and low interaction with traditional analytical methods often leave key elements undetected. This is particularly true for elements like beryllium, which might be critical in many transparent minerals. However, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is transforming the field, offering a direct and powerful solution for analyzing even the most elusive materials.

Our latest analysis, done with our M-trace, focused on analyzing and characterizing the transparent goshenite crystal. While the analysis confirmed the presence of key elements like aluminum, silicon, and oxygen, elements consistent with goshenite’s known composition, the standout result was the effortless detection of beryllium.

This achievement is particularly noteworthy because traditional techniques like X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) often fail to detect beryllium due to its low atomic number and minimal signal interaction. These inherent limitations make identifying beryllium in transparent materials nearly impossible. With LIBS we were able to overcome these challenges with ease.

Our successful characterization of goshenite underscores the unparalleled potential of LIBS for analyzing challenging materials. Unlike conventional methods, LIBS excels at detecting elements across the periodic table, including those traditionally considered difficult or impossible to measure (e.g. light elements). Its ability to directly analyze transparent materials without requiring extensive preparation opens up new possibilities in fields ranging from mineralogy to advanced materials research. Moreover, with the use of our mobile, field-deployable M-Trace, this advanced analysis can be performed directly in situ, enhancing flexibility and efficiency in diverse research and application settings.


Source: https://cs.geologyscience.com/drahokam/goshenitu/