LIBS for Geological Study
Researchers from New Mexico State University (Las Cruces, New Mexico) have replaced the standard rock identification tools of field geologists with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS).
Researchers from New Mexico State University (NMSU) (Las Cruces, New Mexico) have replaced the standard rock identification tools of field geologists with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The technique involves virtually no sample preparation and results are instantaneous. In addition, LIBS is now portable, and requires only an electric generator to operate in the field.LIBS allows for conclusive testing to be done on tiny amounts of material, thereby limiting the damage to precious stones and archaeological materials such as paint.
Nancy McMillan, department head and professor of geology at NMSU, said that while many universities are currently using LIBS, only a few geology departments are using it to study Earth materials. And with future applications of LIBS growing, "The students are positioning themselves for exciting jobs as this technology hits geoscience industries and they are the people in their generation that are already trained," McMillan said.
Your Guide to the European Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry
February 27th 2025The 20th European Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry (EWCPS 2025) is scheduled to take place from March 2 to 7, 2025, in Berlin, Germany. Here, we provide a conference insider regarding what spectroscopists should consider checking out, as well as the topics that will be discussed at the conference.
IoT-based Spectral Sensing Brings Real-Time Grape Ripeness Monitoring to Vineyards
February 26th 2025A team of researchers from the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) in Braga, Portugal, has developed an autonomous Internet of Things (IoT) spectral sensing system designed to monitor grape ripening in real-time. The study, led by Hugo M. Oliveira, Alessio Tugnolo, Natacha Fontes, Carlos Marques, and Álvaro Geraldes, was published in Computers and Electronics in Agriculture and introduces a novel approach to non-destructive, in-situ optical monitoring of grape maturity.
Pittcon 2025: Highlighting Talks on Atomic Spectroscopy
February 26th 2025At Pittcon this year, there will be numerous sessions dedicated to spotlighting the latest research that uses atomic spectroscopy or elemental analysis techniques. We highlight some of these talks below that might pique the interest of spectroscopists and researchers attending the conference this year.
