Optimization of trace element analysis using Resonant Laser Ablation

Abstract

Resonant Laser Ablation (RLA), which combines Laser Ablation (LA) and Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy (RIS) simultaneously with a single laser, can be used as a simple analytical technique of trace elements with high sensitivity and elemental (isotopic) selectivity for solid samples. However, the elemental selectivity falls off in the higher laser power range because of an increase of an ion yield produced non-resonantly in laser ablation process. To enhance an ion yield produced through the resonant ionization process, the incident laser is split into two beams for LA and RIS, respectively. In the present study, we have developed a simple theoretical model to simulate the RLA process and checked the validity of the model by analyzing some experiments to detect a trace of Al. The dependence of the elemental selectivity and the detection limit on the incident laser power is mainly discussed to optimize the trace element analytical technique with RLA.