Portable Laser Induced Breakdown Spectrometer (PORTA-LIBS) (http://img.directindustry.com/images_di/photo-g/laser-induced-breakdown-spectrometer-libs-391429.jpg)
The PORTA-LIBS-2000 is the first truly portable low cost analyzer that can be used for real-time qualitative measurements of trace elements. It can be used for dedicated applications in the field or just about anywhere. Portable high resolution EPP2000 spectrometers are integrated with a high intensity pulsed laser, and sample chamber, to permit UV-VIS- NIR spectral analysis of unknown samples. The portable instrument case is just 18 x 14 x 7 inches and operates via 12 volt adapter or battery. Detection requirements determine the number of required spectrometer channels. Up to 8 high resolution spectrometers can be attached via USB-2 computer interface with 0.1 or 0.2nm resolution.
http://www.stellarnet.us/PopularConfigurations_plasmasystems.htm (http://www.stellarnet.us/PopularConfigurations_plasmasystems.htm)The integration of miniature fiber optic spectrometers with small high peak power laser transmitters has lead to the development of a low-cost portable analytical instrument capable of real-time qualitative analysis. LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) systems are now assembled with commercial off the shelf components to produce portable briefcase size elemental analyzers that are capable of sustained battery operation in remote field environments.
http://www.stellarnet-inc.com/public/download/PORTA-LIBS-Article.pdf (http://www.stellarnet-inc.com/public/download/PORTA-LIBS-Article.pdf)Portable LIBS systems are more sensitive, faster and can detect a wider range of elements (particularly the light elements) than competing techniques such as portable x-ray fluorescence. And LIBS does not use ionizing radiation to excite the sample, which is both penetrating and potentially carcinogenic.
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy - Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser-induced_breakdown_spectroscopy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser-induced_breakdown_spectroscopy)
Portable LIBS Instrumentation: A New Tool for Geoscience: http://www.photonics.com/Article.aspx?AID=37997 (http://www.photonics.com/Article.aspx?AID=37997)