Calibration-free Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Research Articles

Research on batch multi-element rapid quantitative analysis based on standard curve assisted CF-LIBS method

Abstract This paper proposes a batch rapid quantitative analysis method for multi-element by combining the advantages of standard curve (SC) and calibration-free laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) technology to achieve synchronous, rapid, and accurate measurement of elements in a large number of samples, namely SC-assisted CF-LIBS. Al alloy standard samples, divided into calibration and test samples, were applied to validate the proposed method. The SC was built on the basis of the characteristic line of Pb, Cr in the calibration sample, and the content of Pb, Cr in the test sample was thereby calculated with a relative error of 6% and 4%, respectively. The SC built by Cr with multiple characteristic lines has better calculation results. The relative contents of 10 elements were calculated by CF-LIBS in the test sample. Subsequently, the SC-assisted CF-LIBS was executed, with the majority of calculation relative errors falling within the range of 2%–5%. Finally, the contents of Al, Na were predicted in the Al alloy. The results demonstrate that it effectively enables the rapid and accurate quantitative analysis of multi-element after a single element SC analysis of the tested samples. Furthermore, this quantitative analysis method was successfully applied to soil and astragalus samples, realizing the accurate calculation of the contents of multi-element. It is thus important to advancing LIBS quantitative analysis and its related applications.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for helium detection in beryllium coatings

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) method is considered to be a promising tool for analyzing the retention of hydrogen isotopes (D and T) and helium (He) on the first walls and divertor regions of future fusion reactors. Helium will be produced in DT reactions but could also be used in the initial non-nuclear phases of DEMO concepts. The present study investigates the He detection by LIBS method in the Be coatings simulating the deposits on the divertor plasma-facing components of JET while the results are also relevant for He detection in the deposits of other wall materials. The study was carried out in a vacuum vessel filled with 2–40 mbar argon background gas. It was shown that 2.8 at. % of He was confidently detectable by LIBS at optimized measurement conditions and the estimated limit of detection at used experimental conditions is approximately 0.7 at. %. The intensity of the He emission line at 587.56 nm was the strongest at the center of the laser-induced plasma plume. The He line intensity increased with the pressure of Ar gas but the broadening of the He line and the increase of the background emission and noise set an upper limit to the Ar background pressure usable for He detection. The application of the calibration-free LIBS procedure resulted in the overestimation of the He/Be ratio by several orders of magnitude. The overestimation can be explained by the deviation of LIBS plasma from the local thermodynamic equilibrium, which is caused by the very high excitation energy of He atoms.

Accurate method based on data filtering for quantitative multi-element analysis of soils using CF-LIBS

To obtain more stable spectral data for accurate quantitative analysis of multi-element, especially for the large-area in-situ elements detection of soils, we propose a method for a multi-element quantitative analysis of soils using calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) based on data filtering. In this study, we analyze a standard soil sample doped with two heavy metal elements, Cu and Cd, with a specific focus on the line of Cu I 324.75 nm for filtering the experimental data of multiple sample sets. Pre- and post- data filtering, the relative standard deviation for Cu decreased from 30% to 10%, The limits of detection (LOD) values for Cu and Cd decreased by 5% and 4%, respectively. Through CF-LIBS, a quantitative analysis was conducted to determine the relative content of elements in soils. Using Cu as a reference, the concentration of Cd was accurately calculated. The results show that post- data filtering, the average relative error of the Cd decreases from 11% to 5%, indicating the effectiveness of data filtering in improving the accuracy of quantitative analysis. Moreover, the content of Si, Fe and other elements can be accurately calculated using this method. To further correct the calculation, the results for Cd was used to provide a more precise calculation. This approach is of great importance for the large-area in-situ heavy metals and trace elements detection in soil, as well as for rapid and accurate quantitative analysis.

Depth profiling of W[sbnd]Ta based fusion-relevant samples using picosecond laser ablation

This study presents a detailed picosecond LIBS analysis of WTa coatings on Molybdenum substrate with varying layer thicknesses for fusion relevant applications. Ps-LIBS is performed on three WTa layers; two without deuterium (∼7 μm thickness) and one with deuterium (∼1 μm thickness). The LIBS measurements are conducted under argon gas flow at 5±0.2 mbar pressure with different laser pulse energies (1 mJ, 3 mJ) and 100 spectra are recorded consecutively at one spot on the sample for different set of gate delay/gate width (200/200 ns, 300/300 ns, 450/450 ns). The obtained LIBS and Glow-Discharge Optical Emission Spectroscopy (GDOES) depth profiles are compared with the confocal microscopic measurements showing good agreement. Additionally, the ablation rate and layer thickness are calculated for different experimental conditions. The Calibration-Free LIBS approach is used for elemental analysis and the results are compared with GDOES results. The capability of ps-LIBS to quantify Ta in WTa alloy is explored for 2 at.% of Ta. However, due to higher ablation rate of laser and thin coating in WTaD sample, the layer is irradiated in few laser pulse and therefore, CF-LIBS analysis is not performed for it.

Self-Calibrated Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for the Quantitative Elemental Analysis of Suspended Volcanic Ash.

Real-time analysis of fine ash in volcanic plumes, which represent magma fragments expelled from the crater during explosive eruptions, is a valuable tool for volcano monitoring and hazard assessment. To obtain the chemical characterization of the juvenile pyroclastic material emitted in volcanic plumes, many analytical techniques can be used. Among them, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is the one that can most easily be adapted to advanced applications in extreme environments. In this paper, LIBS experiments based on self-calibrated approaches are used to determine the elemental composition of suspended volcanic ash. To simulate the conditions of dispersed volcanic ash in the atmosphere, different sizes of volcanic ash samples are suspended in the air by laser-induced shockwaves in a dedicated chamber, and a parametric study is carried out to establish the optimal experimental conditions for recording usable plasma emission spectra for each ash size. The quantitative analysis is performed using a self-calibrated analytical method, including calibration-free LIBS, which is based on the calculation of the spectral radiance of a uniform plasma in local thermodynamic equilibrium. The method accounts intrinsically for self-absorption since it modifies the intensity of spectral lines and thus leads to an underestimation of the elemental fraction. An intensity calibration of the spectra based on the measurements of Fe lines intensities was also used in this work to deduce the apparatus response from the spectrum itself and avoid the use of standard calibration lamps. Results demonstrate the potential of real-time measurements of elemental fractions in volcanic ash with good agreement with the literature composition.

In situ chemical analysis of duplex stainless steel weld by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

The high corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties of duplex stainless steel (DSS) are due to its special chemical composition, which is a balanced phase ratio of ferrite (α) and austenite (γ). Many industrial applications require the integration of DSS components. For this, Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) is an excellent choice, as it allows an automated operation with high reproducibility. However, when the weld pool solidifies, critical ratios of α- and γ- phases can occur, which lead to solidification cracking, increased susceptibility to corrosion, and a decrease in ductility and critical strength. Previous studies have shown that these defects can be caused by the accumulation of manganese and chromium in the heat affected zone (HAZ), requiring ongoing monitoring of this accumulation. A suitable method for such monitoring is laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), which can be used in two operating modes: calibration using standard reference samples and calibration-free. Unlike conventional quantitative LIBS measurements, which require reference samples to generate a calibration curve, calibration-free LIBS (CF-LIBS) allows chemical compositions to be determined solely from the emission spectrum of the plasma. Numerous publications show that CF-LIBS is a fast and efficient analytical method for the quantitative analysis of metal samples. In this work, CF-LIBS is applied to spectra obtained during GTAW DSS welding and the result is compared with those obtained by PLS analysis. A good correlation was found between both types of analysis, demonstrating the suitability of the CF-LIBS method for this application. The CF-LIBS method has a significant advantage over conventional LIBS due to the rapid in situ measurement of concentrations of major alloying elements without calibration procedure. This, combined with fast feedback and appropriate adjustment of welding parameters, helps prevent welding defects.

Rare earth elements and radioactive elements in black sands from the Konkan and Malabar coasts of India

ABSTRACT The objective of the present work is to demonstrate the ability of the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique for quick detection and quantification of rare earth elements (REEs) and radioactive elements in the black sands at selected locations of the Konkan coast (Goa) and Malabar coast (Kerala) in India. Several REEs such as Ce, Nd, Sm, Dy, Ho, Tm, Gd, and Th have been detected in the LIBS spectra. Calibration-free LIBS method has been used to calculate the concentration of REEs and radioactive elements. The experimental result shows that the concentration of REEs such as Sm, Dy, Ho, and radioactive element Th is maximum in the sands collected from Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) beach and minimum in the Baga (Goa) beach. The reliability of the results (qualitative and quantitative) obtained by the LIBS method has been examined by other spectroscopic techniques like XRF and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and found to be in close agreement. The multivariate approach (principal component analysis) has been applied to discern the samples based on their spectral data. Photoacoustic spectroscopy and XRD technique are used to detect compounds/minerals of REEs. The relative hardness, degree of crystallinity (DOC), and crystallite size have been calculated.

CF-LIBS based elemental analysis of Saussurea simpsoniana medicinal plant: a study on roots, seeds, and leaves.

The plant Saussurea Simpsoniana, which has been used in traditional medicine for its biocompatibility and abundant nutrients, offers a wide range of remedies. Local communities effectively utilize medicines derived from the plant's roots to treat various ailments such as bronchitis, rheumatic pain, and abdominal and nervous disorders. In this study, we present an elemental analysis of the chemical composition (wt%) of this medicinal plant using the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique. In the air atmosphere, an Nd:YAG (Q-switched) laser operating at a wavelength of 532nm is utilized to create plasma on the sample's surface. This laser has a maximum pulse energy of approximately 400mJ and a pulse duration of 5ns. A set of six miniature spectrometers, covering the wavelength range of 220-970nm, was utilized to capture and record the optical emissions emitted by the plasma. The qualitative analysis of LIBS revealed the presence of 13 major and minor elements, including Al, Ba, C, Ca, Fe, H, K, Li, Mg, Na, Si, Sr, and Ti. Quantitative analysis was performed using calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS), ensuring local thermodynamical equilibrium (LTE) and optically thin plasma condition by considering plasma excitation temperature and electron number density. In addition, a comparison was made between the results obtained from CF-LIBS and those acquired through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis.

Accurate determination of plasma temperature and electron density using a reference target: one-point calibration LIBS elemental analysis ofalloy samples.

Elemental analysis of aluminum alloy samples with calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) encounters two difficulties: the inconvenience of determining accurate temperature and electron density of the plasma and the influence of self-absorption of the observed aluminum lines. To solve this problem, target-enhanced orthogonal double-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy in the reheating regime combined with the one-point calibration method was proposed in this work. A mixture of copper powders and K H C O 3 grains was pressed to a pellet and used as the target. Accurate determination of plasma temperature and electron density can be obtained using a reference target. The plasma temperature could be determined with Saha-Boltzmann plot of copper, and the electron density of the plasma could be determined according to the Stark broadening of the H α line of hydrogen. Aluminum alloy samples were analyzed with a relative error of better than 0.02% for a major element. This approach provides a convenient way to determine the temperature and electron density of the plasma more accurately and is able to reduce the influence of self-absorption, which is helpful for realizing quantitative elemental analysis of different samples while using a calibration-free algorithm.

Feasibility of simultaneous multi-element analysis of quartz sand with impurities by calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and its potential for guiding glass manufacturing

As the main raw material in glass manufacturing, quartz sand and its elementary contents play an important role in glass quality. As raw quartz sand contains a variety of impurities such as metal oxides, which makes traditional chemical analysis methods for determining the chemical composition of quartz sand challenging and cumbersome, and the results are often influenced by the skill level of the analysts and various reagent factors. In this study, we investigate the feasibility of employing calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) for simultaneous multi-element analysis of the complex quartz sand. A Nd:YAG laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm and pulse width of 6 ns was used to irradiate the quartz sand sample, which resulted in generation of a plasma plume. The plasma spectra were recorded and analyzed to determine the type of element by finding the atomic (ion) characteristic spectral lines. The corresponding Boltzmann plane plot was drawn according to the relevant parameters of the characteristic spectral lines, and the plasma temperature was calculated. By measuring the Stark broadening of the characteristic spectral lines, the electron density of the plasma was evaluated, and the prerequisite of the local thermodynamic equilibrium of the plasma was verified. The results show that the CF-LIBS method can synchronously and quickly realize the multi-element identification of the sample without the need of a standard reference material. The use of CF-LIBS to measure the quartz sand raw material prior to entering the glass manufacturing process provides a guiding principle for formulating preliminary treatment plans based on the qualitative and quantitative measurement results.

Mass and mole fractions in calibration-free LIBS

Importance of mole or mass fraction representations of concentrations in CF-LIBS.

Analysis of Atmospheric Air Pollutants using Lichens as a Bio-monitor by Calibration Free-Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Technique

Biomonitoring provides information on the quality of the environment or its modification and has been used as an alternative to monitoring chemical pollutants. The lichen bio-monitoring technique and calibration Free-Laser induced Breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) were used to study trace element atmospheric deposition in five areas of Addis Ababa city. The emission of air pollutants, mainly from anthropogenic sources, has led to the degradation of air quality. The element contents of the transplanted Epiphytic lichen were determined in the vicinity of different heavy traffic and small industry places. We identified twenty-one elements (Fe, Ti, U, V, Ni, Eu, Zr, Sr, Ba, Hf, Na, K, Sc, Si, Al, Mg, Ca, C, N, O, and H). Calibration Free-Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy and semi-quantitative methods were used to calculate the concentration of pollutants to point out the most polluted areas for the chemical analysis. Dried samples of the lichen containing heavy pollutants elements like Fe, Ti, Sr, Sc, Ba, Ni, Eu, and Zn are found, and their concentration is determined. Comparison of the elemental concentration in lichen samples transplanted in 4-kilo and science faculty compound with those the Bola airport, central bus station, and Laghar train station reveals that the science faculty compound and 4-kilo areas show a considerably higher concentration of most elements in the lichen than observed in the other areas of the city where lichen samples have been transplanted. Advanced MATLAB algorithm have been used for data analysis.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy of biological tissues: Plasma diagnostics and a comparison of quantification approaches

While calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) is a well-known technique, its applications to biosamples, particularly soft tissues, remain limited. Our research focuses on the plasma diagnostics and CF-LIBS analysis of fatty and non-fatty samples (zooplankton, fish, and plants). The selection of zooplankton as an object was motivated by previously reported anomalous accumulation of certain chemical elements. It was observed that temperature and electron number density of laser plasmas induced on these samples, as determined with the use of Mg I-II and Hα emission lines, do not appear to be systematically affected by minor element composition. Plasma conditions across varying samples are most similar at early stages of plasma evolution.Our investigation yielded four sets of analytical outcomes: calibration-based (CB); calibration-free calculations without (CF1) and with (CF2) spatial resolution, as well as data based on the emission from the plasma central zone (CF1a). The same set of analytical lines of B, Ca, K, Li, Mg, Na, P, and Sr was used across all the four cases. To reduce error for CF-LIBS calculations, each element was measured independently from the others using element-to‑carbon (E/C) ratios. Conversely, in non-fatty samples, E/Mg ratios were shown to fit the Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium for all considered transitions. For a more nuanced evaluation of our results, we have proposed a new variant of the distance metric termed the Accuracy Factor (AF). This metric offers a lucid representation of the method accuracy (for instance, AF = 1.5 indicates that the results are accurate within an average factor of 1.5, i.e., they range between 0.67 and 1.5 times the respective certified values).The performance of the CF technique for our biological samples aligns closely with calibration-based LIBS. Using CF-LIBS, we have successfully quantified Li, an element for which constructing calibration curves proved untenable. Our findings underscore that spatially resolved measurements yield more accurate results compared to spatially-integrated measurements, especially for fatty samples.

Characterization of impurity distribution and composition on the shutter plate for an optical diagnosis in EAST tokamak using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

The quantification of impurities in tokamak devices is of great significance as it allows for a better understanding of the plasma performance and the lifetime of plasma-facing components (PFCs). This study focuses on the characterization of the impurity distribution and composition on the surface of a shutter plate for an optical diagnosis in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). The primary impurity elements, including copper (Cu), tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), lithium (Li), and Sodium(Na), were identified by analyzing the LIBS spectra obtained from the surface of the shutter plate. The spatial distribution of these impurities on both sides of the plate was investigated. The analysis results indicate an increase in impurity content on the outer surface of the shutter plate as proximity to Last Closed Flux Surface (LCFS), followed by a near-linear decrease with the distance from the LCFS. The results of the inner ring on the inner side facing the glass window show fewer metal impurities than the outer rings on the edge for the inner side of the plate. Moreover, the thickness of the deposition layer was determined by estimating the Average Ablation Rate (AAR) through the measurement by confocal microscopy. In addition, Calibration-Free LIBS method were performed to determine the relative content of impurities. The results of this study provide valuable references for studying the migration and transportation of impurities.

Impact of intensity error on temperature estimation in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy: a numerical study

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a cutting-edge technique for the compositional analysis of multi-element materials. Under standard circumstances for laser-induced plasma (T e = 1 eV and N e = 1016 cm−3), we simulated the emission spectrum of a binary alloy (with 70 wt.% Cu–30 wt.% Al). We used the Saha ionization equilibrium formulas to calculate the population of neutral and ionized species of each constituent element, and the Boltzmann distribution to estimate the intensities of emission lines with radiative transition probabilities. The Stark broadening equation is then used to determine the line broadening, yielding a Lorentzian profile for each line. The sum of line emissions of all constituent species will approximate the alloy’s LIBS spectra in an assumption of ideal analytical plasma. Then, we generated random errors in the intensities of spectral lines ranging from 5% to 35%. To investigate temperature estimation accuracy, we utilized three well-established approaches: the Boltzmann plot (BP) method, the Saha–Boltzmann plot (SBP) method, and the Multi-elemental SBP (MESBP) method. As intensity error increases from 5% to 35%, the estimated temperature in the BP method deviates from 0.25% to 18.3%. Whereas the intensity error is almost unaffected using the SBP method and the MESBP method. The temperature deviation is less than 2% in both situations. This study is relevant to calibration-free LIBS, in which the exact temperature determination is crucial for the abundance estimation of trace, major, and minor elements.

Compositional analysis of copper and iron-based alloys using LIBS coupled with chemometric method.

The present manuscript deals with the utility of the calibration-free LIBS and calibration curve methods for the compositional study of different alloys using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). In the process of alloying in the smelting industry, metal concentration in different alloys affects the physical and chemical properties of the final products. Therefore, LIBS can be used as an efficient quantitative analysis tool for online monitoring of the quality of the products. This is because LIBS can be performed online, in situ, without any pre-processing, and need no sample preparation for the compositional analysis of any type of materials present in any phase (solid, liquid, gas or even molten alloys in the industries). In the present study, four alloys (three copper and one iron-based alloy) consisting of Cu, Al, Zn, Ni, Fe, Cr and Mn as major and Sn and Si as minor elements were selected for the study using calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) and calibration curve method i.e. partial least square regression (PLSR). For the CF-LIBS method, the temporal delay has been optimized in order to satisfy the optically thin and local thermal equilibrium (LTE) condition of the plasma. For the PLSR method, different regions of the strongest emission lines of constituents have been selected for quantitative analysis. The study of time-resolved LIBS spectra and the variation of plasma parameters with respect to the delay time is also discussed. The utility of the combined technique of CF-LIBS with the PLSR method for rapid monitoring and quality assessment of desired material/products without any sample pretreatment, thus reducing the cost of the analysis, is presented in this paper.

Investigation of nutrient content in Zingiber officinale and Curcuma longa samples using calibration free-LIBS and ICP-OES techniques

Investigation of nutrient content in Zingiber officinale and Curcuma longa samples using calibration free-LIBS and ICP-OES techniques

Evaluation of limits of detection in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy: Demonstration for food

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy is an emerging technique for fast elemental analyses. It is however known to be less sensitive than the standard techniques, and its capability for trace element analysis is not yet established for most types of materials. To accurately evaluate the sensitivity of LIBS, we propose a procedure that combines a calibration-free LIBS approach with the standard methodology for the evaluation of detection limits. The procedure provides limits of detection not only for the observed elements, but for all elements for which the available spectroscopic data enable the calculation of the element-specific emission spectrum. The method is here applied to food, by determining the limits of detection for 82 elements that may alter the nutritional value of food, or present sanitary risks. Comparing the deduced limits of detection with the typical content of minerals and the upper limits of toxic elements recommended by food safety regulations, we establish a list of elements compatible with food quality monitoring via LIBS. Morevover, we demonstrate that almost all elements can be monitored if the spectra were acquired with a LIBS apparatus of optimized detection efficiency, illustrating thus the capability of LIBS for food quality monitoring.

Investigating the Soil Unconfined Compressive Strength Based on Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Emission Intensities and Machine Learning Techniques.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a remarkable elemental identification and quantification technique used in multiple sectors, including science, engineering, and medicine. Machine learning techniques have recently sparked widespread interest in the development of calibration-free LIBS due to their ability to generate a defined pattern for complex systems. In geotechnical engineering, understanding soil mechanics in relation to the applications is of paramount importance. The knowledge of soil unconfined compressive strength (UCS) enables engineers to identify the behaviors of a particular soil and propose effective solutions to given geotechnical problems. However, the experimental techniques involved in the measurements of soil UCS are incredibly expensive and time-consuming. In this work, we develop a pioneering technique to estimate the soil unconfined compressive strength using artificial intelligent methods based on the spectra obtained from the LIBS system. Decision tree regression (DTR) and support vector regression learners were initially employed, and consequently, the adaptive boosting method was applied to improve the performance of the two single learners. The prediction power of the established models was determined using the standard performance evaluation metrics such as the root-mean-square error, CC between the predicted and actual soil UCS values, mean absolute error, and R2 score. Our results revealed that the boosted DTR exhibited the highest coefficient of correlation of 99.52% and an R2 value of 99.03% during the testing phase. To validate the models, the UCS values of soils stabilized with lime and cement were predicted with an optimum degree of accuracy, confirming the models' suitability and generalization strength for soil UCS investigations.

Optical and thermal characterization of pure CuO and Zn/CuO using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), x-ray fluorescence (XRF), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy techniques

We present elemental analysis and thermal characterization of pure and two different concentrations of zinc-doped copper oxide (CuO) samples using different analytical techniques. The quantitative as well as qualitative investigations, were performed by incorporating calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) technique. The plasma was generated on the samples surface by focusing a first harmonic of Nd: YAG laser of 1064 nm wavelength and the time-integrated emission spectra was achieved through a set of five spectrometers equipped with a charge-coupled-device. The acquired optical emission spectra from laser-generated plasma show different concentrations of zinc and copper in different samples which are consistent with their percentage composition measured during the sample synthesis. Using LIBS emission analytical lines, the Boltzmann technique was utilized for estimating the excitation temperature, while the number density was evaluated using the well-known Stark broadening line profile method. Besides, the CF-LIBS elemental analysis was validated by the x-ray fluorescence technique. For the optical study, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopical analysis was performed to find the bandgap of pure and zinc-doped copper oxide samples and consequently, variation in bandgap was studied with the growth of zinc doping. In addition, the thermal properties of the samples were analyzed using the beam deflection spectroscopy technique. The results shows that thermal diffusivity () and thermal conductivity (), increased with an increase in zinc concentration.