Handheld LIBS Analyser – Z-Series from SciAps

The Z-Series handheld LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) from SciAps is the most advanced laser based alloy analyser. The technology is similar to OES (Optical Emission Spectroscopy), but uses a laser rather than an electrical spark. LIBS offers low limits of detection (0.01-0.1%) when used in conjunction with an argon purge. This results in a 10-fold accuracy increase when compared to carrying out LIBS in air.

The Z-series LIBS incorporates a host of features to ensure you get the best results as quickly as possible. These include:

• Large colour touchscreen display
• Compact design thanks to resdesigned optics and electronics
• Ergonomic design
• More power efficient operation
• High resolution camera so you can analyse the exact spot you want
• Results in a few seconds
• Elemental range Hydrogen to Uranium
• No need for radiation training like handheld XRFs

The Key to Precise Chemistry Determinations

The keys to precise and reliable alloy identification are an argon purge and a high energy laser.

SciAps have gone further and employed 3 measures to ensure that you get the most accurate results possible. The Z-series is the only instrument on the market to use this technology.

1. Argon purge
2. Burst cleaning which eliminates the need for sample grinding and cleaning
3. Beam rastering

Powerful Laser

Using optimal laser laser hardware and carefully design optics the Z-series is suited to alloy identification of all alloys, including aluminium alloys. With laser pulses of 5-6mJ per pulse at 50Hz, with each pulse delivered in a billionth of a second, the Z-series generated gigawatt power densities which result in good plasmas, even on the most refractory samples.

Applications of Handheld LIBS

LIBS has a limitless list of applications, making the Z-series handheld LIBS an extremely versatile instrument. Some applications that it is suited to include:

• Alloy chemistry and grade matching, PMI (Positive Materials Identification)
• Rocks, ores and soils
• Solids, powders and liquids
• Scrap sorting
• Plastics and coatings
• Laboratory testing
• Regulatory screening
• Research and education

Alloy Sorting

Sorting and identification of metal alloys is a key application for the Z-series that it excels at. It goes beyond the limits of handheld XRFs and even goes beyond the limits of other LIBS analysers. XRF’s and some LIBS are unable to measure elements such as lithium, beryllium, boron and selenium as they are simply outside their spectral ranges. This is not the case with the SciAps Z-series, allowing you to identify aluminium and nickel alloys (containing lithium and boron), beryllium copper alloys and lead-free copper alloys (containing selenium).

The Z-series can easily identify the following alloys and produces results in mere seconds:

• Stainless steels
• Copper alloys, bronzes and brasses
• Nickel alloys
• Titanium alloys
• Cobalt alloys
• Molybdenum alloys
• Tungsten alloys

Detector Protection

SciAps engineers know that detectors are expensive and can be easily broken when used out in the field. For this reason, they have built in a rugged quartz window which prevents accidental damage and reduces the risk of extended and costly downtime and replacement.

Android Operating System

The new Z-series LIBS (as well as their handheld XRF) from SciAps have been developed to run on the Android operating platform using a 5” high brightness touchscreen display that is easily viewable in all lighting conditions. This means that anyone who is familiar with operating a smartphone will instantly at home running these devices.

Furthermore, it means that the operating system will never be obsolete, and you will also have access to communications via wireless or Bluetooth so you can quickly and easily print or share data with your laptop or smartphone as well as being able to email data.

Ergonomically Designed Package

This is the next generation LIBS from SciAps. SciAps have taken feedback from users who asked for a smaller, lighter instrument. A new optics design has allows the engineers to significantly reduce the size and weight of the new Z-series handheld LIBS making it easier for operators to carry and around and handle.

They have also re-engineered the argon canister mounting to make changing canisters a much faster and simpler operation, adding to the positive user experience.

Brochure

Click here to download the SciAps Z-Series Handheld LIBS brochure.