A Brief Review of Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Abstract

The calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) technique requires no reference samples of the same matrix to establish the calibration curve, not affected by the matrix effect. In recent years, the CF-LIBS technology has greatly progressed, and the accuracy of quantitative analysis has gradually improved. The purpose of this review was to introduce the CF-LIBS fundamental and modified algorithms. The Boltzmann plot method, Saha–Boltzmann plot method, and column density Saha–Boltzmann plot (CD-SB) method were discussed. Moreover, as a critical factor in CF-LIBS, the self-absorption effect and its influence on CF-LIBS were also introduced. CF-LIBS has been applied in a variety of fields, such as environmental protection, explorations of space, cultural heritage preservation, and geological survey, which were also described in this review.

Atomic spectrometry update: review of advances in atomic spectrometry and related techniques

“…Reviews that cover detailed applications can be found elsewhere; for instance: Zhang et al 114 reviewed the recent advances in the use of LIBS for in situ and online detection of pollutants under atmospheric environments; Liu et al 115 reviewed novel approaches of LIBS for coal analysis; Khan et al 116 discussed the pros and cons of different LIBS methods to improve the detection of trace elements; and Marina-Montes et al 117 described a new protocol for particulate matter characterisation in filters using LIBS. Hu et al , 118 Wang et al 119 and Zhang et al 120 described advances in LIBS quantification methods, in particular related to calibration-free LIBS methods (CF-LIBS), which allows quantitative analysis without the use of standards. In these studies, the authors included a description of the basic theory, novel modifications/variations of the quantification methods, applications in a variety of fields and a discussion about the existing drawbacks.…”

Application of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for Depth Profiling of Multilayer and Graded Materials

“…To mitigate these problems, several adaptations of CF-LIBS have been proposed [103]. Recent review publications [104,105] provide a detailed discussion of foundational concepts, their influencing factors, analytical efficacy, and potential measurement uncertainties.…”

Calibration free laser ablation molecular isotopic spectrometry (CF-LAMIS) for boron isotopic composition determination

“…Calibration-free methods are a class of analytical methods that do not require any reference samples and are matrix independent. 38 Boric acid with natural 11 B and 10 B isotopes is chosen for the authentication of this technique. An algorithm was developed based on Born-Oppenheimer approximation, Boltzmann Equilibrium, and the Lorentzian intensity prole using the Levenberg-Marquardt method of non-linear curve tting for the analysis of experimental molecular spectra with theoretical simulated molecular spectra of the BO molecule.…”