Ocean Optics LIBS2000+ - Manual (Page 27)

Chapter 3
Operation
Overview
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is based on the interaction of a laser with a sample to
produce an optical emission spectrum specific to that sample. A pulsed laser focused onto a solid, liquid,
or gas sample vaporizes a small portion of that sample for analysis. The super-heated, ablated material is
transformed into a plasma. Plasma is a form of matter in which the original chemical bonds of the
substance are broken apart and the resulting atoms are converted into a mixture of neutral atoms, ions,
and electrons. The atoms and ions within the expanding plasma release some of their energy by emitting
light, which produces a characteristic emission spectrum in the UV, VIS, and NIR spectral range.
Configuration
Set Q-Switch Delay
The Q-Switch window allows you to set the position of the firing of the laser with respect to the opening
of the electronic aperture. If you do not hear the laser firing, it is most likely due to an improper setting of
the Q-Switch:
Value Meaning
Negative (–) Q-Switch is being fired before aperture has opened
Positive (+) Q-Switch is being fired after aperture has opened
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