Pacific Northwest National Laboratory researchers have improved laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) measurements of hydrogen isotopes in what they characterized as “industrial important” alloys. In optimizing an ultrafast (ultrashort pulse) laser with certain, controlled environmental conditions, the analytical technique revealed in testing where and when emissions from hydrogen isotopes were the strongest.

Among other uses, the technique could enable a faster analysis of materials that have undergone irradiation in nuclear reactor cores, and aid in the development of next-generation materials for hydrogen storage — supporting new energy technologies and the analysis of corrosion when a material is exposed to water.

Using LIBS to detect specific isotopes requires performing measurements of extremely narrow emission spectra of atoms. Because extreme temperatures of laser-produced plasmas (10,000 K or higher) broadens the spectral lines, this is difficult for isotopes of lighter elements, such as hydrogen.

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Source: Photonics Media