LIBS characterization of in-depth composition ofthermal spray coatings modified by compression plasma flows

Abstract

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is obviously one of the most suitable method to analyze chemical composition of solid materials. As a rule, the LIBS measurements give surface composition data due to the surface irradiation by focused laser beams exciting laser plumes. Here, we examine LIBS potential to monitor composition evolution from the solid surface deep into the material acting with successive laser pulses onto a chosen point of the surface. Due to the surface erosion the laser plumes go deeper into the sample thus delivering information on in-depth distribution of the sample composition.