Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a cutting-edge technology that enables rapid, real-time elemental analysis of materials. LIBS works by focusing a high-energy laser pulse onto the material’s surface, creating a plasma. As the plasma cools, it emits light at specific wavelengths that correspond to the elements present. By analyzing these emissions, LIBS identify the elemental composition of the material with precision.
LIBS sensor
LIBS sensor
How it works
LIBS technology utilizes a high-intensity laser that ablates a small amount of material, creating a plasma. As the plasma cools, it emits light specific to each element within the material. This emitted light is collected and analyzed using a spectrometer, which identifies the unique spectral signatures corresponding to various elements. By decoding these signatures, LIBS can accurately determine the elemental composition of the material, allowing for targeted sorting based on chemical properties. The process is non-destructive and ensures that material integrity is maintained throughout sorting.
Operating principies
- Position control: At the conveyor inlet, a separate laser scanning system determines position of the particles on the belt to provide information for LIBS system where to apply high-powered laser pulse.
- Two high-powered, focused laser pulses are directed at the surface of all particles, first to remove the oxides and other contamination, and the second one generating intense heat and vaporizing a tiny portion to form a plasma.
- Plasma Emission: As the plasma cools, the excited atoms within it emit light at wavelengths specific to the elements present in the material.
- Spectral Analysis: A spectrometer captures the emitted light and breaks it down into a spectrum, identifying the unique elemental signatures within milliseconds.
- Elemental Identification: By analyzing these wavelengths, the system determines the materials precise elemental composition, allowing for accurate sorting based on chemical properties.
- Ejection: By defining the particles for separation on the base of the spectral analysis in the main computing system, the pneumatic nozzles are activated to eject the defined particles to the separate conveying line.
AI-powered analysis
Our LIBS systems leverage advanced AI to interpret spectral data in real-time, ensuring continuous improvement in detection accuracy. This
self-learning capability allows the system to adapt to changing material conditions, maintaining peak performance and maximizing sorting efficiency.
