LIBS: An Alternative to Commercial Instruments for Measurement of Lead

Radioactive materials are used in commercially important analytical instruments because of the ability of ionizing radiation to excite characteristic x-ray fluorescence lines. Radiation sources are often the most practical method for portable instruments, such as analyzers for lead paint in homes. There are many other applications, including the rapidly growing area of RoHS manufacturing. This effort will examine laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to replace radiation techniques for lead-in-paint analysis, RoHS quality control, and other applications. Although LIBS has been investigated for this in the past, significant advances in detector technology and in the cost of lasers may now make this approach practical. In Phase I we will determine if LIBS can be used to replace the radiation technique use in RMD LPA-1 analyzer and in RoHS inspection equipment. In Phase II RMD will build prototypes and do field testing with customers.