Glass composition measurement using laser induced breakdown spectrometry

Laser induced breakdown spectrometry (LIBS) has been used to identify metal lic elements and to evaluate their concentration ratios for vitrified glass samples produced by Joule heated glass melters. More than ten elements hav e been identified from emission spectra recorded in the region from 260 to 420 nm. Comparision of the concentration ratios with chemical analysis resu lts are made and presented. The effects of sample temperature on the spectr al intensities and plasma temperature have been examined. Results obtained from various glass samples illustrate that the LIBS technique can be used n ot only to identify elements in vitrified glass but also to quantitatively determine their concentration ratios.