A fast and accurate method for the determination of precious alloys caratage by Laser Induced Plasma Spectroscopy

The purpose of this paper is to present a new and efficient technique for p recious alloys caratage based on the Laser Induced Plasma Spectroscopy (LIP S) method. The LIPS analysis can be carried out in few minutes and in an es sentially non-destructive way on samples of arbitrary shape. Experimental r esults showing the feasibility of the method for fast and precise analysis of gold jewellery without the need of calibration are presented. Using a ne w technique of LIPS spectra analysis, recently developed and patented by th e Applied Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory at IFAM, we were able to obtain qua ntitive information about all the alloy components, including trace element s at concentration down to the order of 1 ppm. Matrix effects do not affect the accuracy of the technique.