Sample interview questions: Describe the principles behind laser-induced breakdown detection and its applications.
Sample answer:
Principles of Laser-Induced Breakdown Detection (LIBD)
LIBD is a spectroscopic analytical technique that relies on the interaction between a high-powered laser pulse and a target material. When the laser pulse is focused on the target, it creates a plasma due to the intense energy deposition. The plasma emits light across a broad spectral range, characteristic of the elemental composition of the target. By analyzing the emitted light using a spectrometer, the elemental composition of the target can be determined.
Applications of Laser-Induced Breakdown Detection
LIBD has a wide range of applications in various fields, including:
- Material analysis: LIBD can rapidly and non-destructively analyze the elemental composition of solids, liquids, and gases. This makes it useful for applications such as:
- Environmental monitoring Read full answer