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Vulcan Series
The analyzer nose showing the groove on the sides of the
and indicating the center of the laser spot.
Performing a good measurement from dirty surfaces
Most of the real life samples are not clean and flat surfaces. Therefore it is important to understand
the effect of the shape of the sample and possible surface contamination to the analysis results.
The LIBS is a surface analysis technique and the laser can penetrate only couple of micrometers (µm)
through the sample surface. Like any other analyzer, Vulcan series gives the best results when the
sample is properly prepared. The best results can be obtained from a clean, smooth and flat surface.
Any contamination such as water, dust, rust, paint, coating, oxide layer, anodization etc. will have an
effect on the measurement results. The magnitude of the effect depends on the thickness and the
material of the layer.
Before taking a measurement, it is recommended to clean the sample surface. There are several
ways to that:
Sample preparation - light contamination, water, dust or similar
If there is only a thin layer of water or dust on the sample surface, it can be cleaned by just wiping
the surface clean with a piece of cloth, paper or similar. After cleaning the sample, point the analyzer
nose at the object to be measured and ensure that the instrument is in direct contact with the
sample. Hold the instrument steadily, pull the trigger and read the results on the screen.
Sample preparation - thin oxide layer, anodization
Vulcan series laser can burn through thin oxide layers and anodization. The built-in pre-burn feature
cleans the sample surface with thousands of laser bursts before taking the measurement. The
intensity of the pre-burn can be adjusted in the Settings menu. Notice that the pre-burn feature will
increase the total measurement time.
Laser aperture
Laser warning
label
Instrument properly placed against the
sample
