Trace Elements Identification in KCl and NaCl using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Abstract

Infrared laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (IR-LIBS) was used for trace element identification of potassium (K) and sodium (Na) in samples of potassium chloride (KCl) and sodium chloride (NaCl) respectively. IR LIBS spectra of KCl and NaCl exhibited atomic transitions within the mid-wavelength (2–5 μm) IR region consistent with atomic transitions obtained from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) atomic spectra database. Observed transitions for potassium were 2.71, 3.14, 3.16, 3.18, 3.73, 3.75, and 4.02 μm while those for sodium were 2.30, 2.34, 3.42, 4.05, and 4.38 μm. However, from the observed transitions profile, those at 2.71 μm (for potassium) and 2.20 μm (for sodium transitions) exhibited strong intensity and provided a reference for establishing IR-LIBS as a viable spectroscopic technique for trace elements identification in hybrid substance.