SIUC Physics Seminar
School of Physics and Applied Physics, Southern Illinois University--Carbondale
2025 October 24 Friday 3:00 PM:
Physics Seminar in Neckers 440
Title: Enhancing Reproducibility in LIBS of Micro and Sub-micron Particles Using a Diluted Epoxy Coating Technique
Speaker: Sandaruka Jayasooriya
Affiliation: Southern Illinois University--Carbondale
Abstract:
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a multi-purpose,
high-speed elemental analysis method, in which high-energy laser pulses
are employed to create plasma on the sample surface. As plasma cools,
radiation from it reveals the target's elemental composition. While LIBS
is well known on average for sensitivity and rapidity, applying LIBS to
fine powders, i.e., particles measuring in the range of microns and sub microns,
typically suffers from poor reproducibility due to sample loss during
laser ablation. Here, we present a surface stabilization method using
a thin epoxy coating layer to optimize particle retention. We dilute
epoxy hardner with ethanol and evaluate sequentially at different ratios
and establish the optimal compromise between maintaining signal integrity
and minimizing particle displacement. We show that the application of
the 1:750 (v/v) ratio of the epoxy-to-ethanol solution in microvolume
coatings significantly enhances the reproducibility and sensitivity
of LIBS measurements. This method provides an encouraging solution for
improving quantitative LIBS analysis for fine particle systems,
with opportunities in biomedical diagnosis, environmental protection,
and material science.
Biography:
Sandaruka Jayasooriya is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Physics
at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC). She received her
Master's degree in Physics from Southern Illinois University and her
Bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Her research interests lie in biomedical applications of
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), materials characterization,
and diagnostic techniques.
Last updated on
by K V Shajesh
(kvshajesh@gmail.com).