Carbon Analysis in Low-alloy and Carbon Steels with Handheld LIBS

Presented here is a method to analyze carbon content in low alloy and carbon steels, utilizing the technique of handheld laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (HH LIBS). The method specifies the SciAps Z-200, the world’s only handheld analyzer capable of analyzing carbon content in alloys. The Z-200 uses a pulsed, 1064 nm laser, operating at 5.5 mJ/pulse and 50 Hz repetition rate. The onboard spectrometer spans 190 nm – 620 nm, with resolution < 0.13 nm in the 193 nm range of the carbon line utilized. The analyzer also uses an on-board, user replaceable argon purge gas. The argon canister, located in the handle, provides about 600 tests before requiring replacement.