A hyphenated echelle LIBS-Raman system for multi-purpose applications

We have developed and standardized a novel hybrid laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)-Raman system using a single pulsed laser and a high-resolution intensified charge coupled device coupled echelle spectrograph. LIBS and Raman spectroscopy are highly complementary techniques which yield elemental and molecular information. Both techniques share an apparently similar instrumental configuration but need entirely different requirements like spectral range covered, resolution, and light-gathering efficiencies. There are thus many challenges to be faced in developing a combined system. In the present work, we show that an echelle spectrograph combined with a compact Q-switched Nd:YAG laser operating at 532 nm as an excitation source in a portable configuration can be efficiently used for such multi-purpose spectroscopy. Atomic and molecular emissions from the sample surface have been recorded in a gated mode using this setup. Compared to conventional spectrographs, echelle provides simultaneous broad ...