Beyond adding to the growing literature on LIBS (laser induced breakdown spectroscopy) applications, this Applied Optics paper should inspire researchers to utilize LIBS in their fields of study. This is because the authors crafted a paper that illustrates the strengths of LIBS as an analytical technique while illustrating for the reader how to conduct a research study with this technique. The strengths of LIBS as an elemental analysis technique are made evident in this paper, including its ability to analyze complex materials with little sample preparation, the need for a relatively simple apparatus, and limits of detection that are relevant to many different research areas. The paper simultaneously leads readers through the fundamentals of LIBS measurements, including some practical theoretical considerations, sample preparation, optimization procedures, and finally measurements and data analysis. In this way, it can serve a guide for researchers getting started with this technique.

One section of the paper is particularly worthy of highlighting, and that is the demonstration of local thermal equilibrium (LTE) in the LIBS plasmas in the study. Many LIBS papers contain linear calibration curves relating the amplitude of the LIBS signal of an element to the concentration of the elemental analyte of interest. However, few discuss the fact that linear calibration curves are only expected from a theoretical point of view if the LTE condition exists. The authors relate the steps needed to verify the existence of LTE in a logical fashion that lends itself to be duplicated by others for different materials and applications. This includes such LIBS fundamentals as plasma temperature and electron density measurements. These measurements are not only are needed for verifying LTE, but they also give researchers a feel for how different experimental parameters (laser pulse energy, optical layout, etc.) affect the plasma. This knowledge, in turn, gives researchers insights into how to optimize a LIBS experiments for their particular application or material.

The study’s implications in the area of public health will also serve to expand interest in LIBS. This “real world” application is an excellent illustration of its wide applicability to many different fields, and should generate many new ideas for LIBS applications.

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