Elemental fingerprint
single-point screening
Material Analysis · Structure & Spectroscopy
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)
Characterise elemental fingerprint, local or depth-resolved composition, and rapid sorting or mapping across a surface using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.
- Price
- from£15 per sample, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 8 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- Sciaps Z-903
- Typical outputs
- Emission spectraElement identification or concentration tableOptional line scan, depth profile, or mapProcessed spectra
Why this service
What LIBS can help you understand
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy is selected when the project needs defensible information on elemental fingerprint, local or depth-resolved composition, or rapid sorting or mapping across a surface.…
Local or depth-resolved composition
mapping
Rapid sorting or mapping across a surface
depth profiling or double-pulse LIBS
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the tool
The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.
Single-point screening
elemental fingerprint
- Best used when
- elemental fingerprint
- Typical result
- Emission spectra
- Preparation note
- Exact mass and any drying or dispersion step are confirmed after technical review.
Mapping
local or depth-resolved composition
- Best used when
- local or depth-resolved composition
- Typical result
- Element identification or concentration table
- Preparation note
- State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted.
Depth profiling or double-pulse LIBS
rapid sorting or mapping across a surface
- Best used when
- rapid sorting or mapping across a surface
- Typical result
- Optional line scan, depth profile, or map
- Preparation note
- Declare volatility, corrosivity, suspended solids and any storage or temperature requirement.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
Emission spectra reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Element identification or concentration table supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Optional line scan, depth profile, or map provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Processed spectra included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Sample requirements
What to provide before work begins
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the decision, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Powder / particles | Provide a dry, homogeneous and clearly labelled sample in a sealed container. | Exact mass and any drying or dispersion step are confirmed after technical review. |
| Film / coating | Provide the coated substrate or a flat film with the test surface and coating side clearly marked. | State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted. |
| Liquid / solution | Provide a sealed, compatible container labelled with composition, concentration and solvent. | Declare volatility, corrosivity, suspended solids and any storage or temperature requirement. |
| Solid / component | Provide a clean, stable and clearly labelled specimen with the target face or region identified. | Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved. |
Objective: state the decision, comparison or acceptance criterion the work must support.
Handling and access: declare hazards, instability, confidentiality, file constraints or special logistics before dispatch or transfer.
Questions and answers
Common planning decisions
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope, timing or interpretation.
What should I send for Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy?
Provide powder / particles, film / coating, liquid / solution, solid / component as applicable. Exact quantity, dimensions and preparation are confirmed during technical review.
Which analysis option should I choose?
Choose the mode around the decision you need to make. For elemental fingerprint, start with single-point screening; add mapping when comparison or quantification is required.
How long will the test take?
Typical turnaround is 8 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
What can limit the result?
Shot-to-shot variability and matrix effects are significant. Quantification without matched standards is usually semi-quantitative.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope LIBS correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Required comparison, acceptance criterion or reference
- Preferred output and reporting depth