Spectral analysis of Qinling Mountain rock using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

The composition of Qinling Mountain rock is studied using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy for the first time. Elements Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, C, Na, Si, Al, Ti, K and Mn are identified qualitatively. Using an improved iterative Boltzmann plot method, the electron temperature of 16,825 K is inferred with Ca I lines at 422.67, 428.30, 443.49, 445.48, and 585.74 nm, while the ionic temperature of 15,587 K is obtained with Ca II lines at 393.37, 396.85, and 370.60 nm. The electron number density of 1.49 10 cm is inferred from the Stark broadened profile of Ca I 422.67 nm averaged with 10 single spectra. The laser-induced rock plasma is verified to be in local thermodynamic equilibrium and to be optically thin based on the experimental results.