Glass Composition Measurement Using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectrometry

Laser induced breakdown spectometry (LIBS) has been used to identify metallic elements and to evaluate their concentration ratios for vitrified glass samples produced by Joule heated glass melters. More than ten elements have been identified from emission spectra recorded in the region from 260 to 420nm. Comparison of the concentration ratios with chemical analysis results are made and presented. The effects of sample temperature on the spectral intensities and plasma temperature have been examined. Results obtained from various glass samples illustrate that the LIBS technique can be used not only to identify elements in vitrified glass but also to quantitavely determine their concentration ratios.