On-line quantitative analysis of heavy metals in water based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Effect of target thickness and laser irradiance on the back-reflection-enhanced laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy signal in glass

In the work that is being presented here, the effect of sample thickness and laser irradiance on the reduction of the signal-to-background ratio SBG and the plasma parameters, specifically electron temperature and electron density, is being investigated using back-reflection-enhanced laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (BRELIBS). Copper and silver discs that had been highly polished were attached to the back surface of the glass target, and the Nd-YAG laser beam that was focused on the front surface of the target was tuned to its fundamental wavelength. The thicknesses of the transparent glass samples that were analysed were 1 mm, 3 mm, and 6 mm. One is able to achieve a range of different laser irradiance levels by adjusting the working distance that exists between the target sample and the focusing lens. The end result of this is that the signal-to-background ratio in the BRELIBS spectra of thicker glass samples is significantly lower as compared to the ratio in the spectra of thinner glass samples. In addition, a significant influence of modifying the laser irradiance (by increasing the working distance on the SBG ratio) is seen at various glass thicknesses for both BRELIBS and LIBS, with BRELIBS having a better SBG. Nevertheless, the laser-induced plasma parameter known as the electron temperature has not been significantly impacted by the decrease in the glass thickness.

Light, Energy and the Environment, 2018: introduction to the joint feature issue

This joint feature issue of Optics Express and Applied Optics highlights contributions from authors who presented their latest research at the OSA Light, Energy and the Environment Congress, held in Sentosa Island, Singapore from 5 to 8 November 2018. The joint feature issue comprises 11 contributed papers, which expand upon their respective conference proceedings. The published papers introduced here cover a broad range of timely research topics in optics and photonics for lighting and illumination, solar energy, hyperspectral imaging, and environmental sensing.

Light, Energy and the Environment, 2018: introduction to the joint feature issue

This joint feature issue of Optics Express and Applied Optics highlights contributions from authors who presented their latest research at the OSA Light, Energy and the Environment Congress, held in Sentosa Island, Singapore from 5-8 November 2018. The joint feature issue comprises 11 contributed papers, which expand upon their respective conference proceedings. The published papers introduced here cover a broad range of timely research topics in optics and photonics for lighting and illumination, solar energy, hyperspectral imaging, and environmental sensing.