Analyzing Glass with Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

The specific elemental composition of industrial glass products influences several of its physical properties, such as heat and shock resistance, transparency, and chemical reactivity. Chemical analysis of glass samples is therefore required to support both R&D and production operations. Unfortunately, full elemental analysis of glass by a method like ICP-OES requires digestion with hazardous acids and use of fusion apparatus. Adding to the challenge, some of the elements of most interest can be difficult to detect with typical techniques (such as B, Li), or preparation reagents may contaminate instrumentation causing high background or corrosion.