Attachment 2 - Specifications (Specs).pdf

Specifications Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Analyzer

1.0 Technical Requirements:

• The analyzer shall utilize the technique of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) in order to perform elemental analysis of a variety of samples including metals, powders, polymers, liquids and geochemical type samples.

• The unit shall be a single-piece handheld unit including inert gas (argon) supply and batteries weighing less than 4.5 lbs.

• The analyzer shall feature a pulsed laser, at least 5 mJ/pulse, as the excitation source, with a pulse firing rate of 50 Hz.

• The analyzer shall allow multiple laser pulses at the same location (known as cleaning shots) for sample cleaning to limit the need for sample surface preparation. Cleaning shots shall feature a maximum 50 Hz rep rate.

• The analyzer shall feature an integrated, user-replaceable source of inert gas (argon) for the purposes of operating the analyzer in an argon purge mode. The purge, standard in spark OES systems provides 10x or better precision compared to air-based LIBS analysis.

• The analyzer shall be operable and calibrate-able in either an argon or an air-based analysis mode.

• The analyzer shall feature an integrated camera and video for viewing the sample prior to testing, and also a focused LED light for targeting the laser onto a specific area of the sample. The combination camera and LED are critical for assuring quality analysis (i.e.

burns) on irregularly shaped materials.

• The analyzer shall possess a second “macro-camera” for photo documentation of samples, reading bar-codes or QR codes, etc.

• The analyzer shall have a sample presence sensor that prohibits the analyzer from firing if no sample is in front of the analysis window. This allows the device to be operated under Class 1 conditions.

• The analyzer shall use an integrated spectrometer that covers the wavelength range 190 nm out to 950 nm continuously (no gaps in wavelength coverage).

• The spectrometer shall allow operation in gated mode to provide best limits of detection.

A gated mode is critical to achieve the lowest possible detection limits.

• The analyzer shall include a 3-dimensional automated stage for the optics (laser lens, light collection lens and related optical components). The stage shall be under computer control with pre-programmed settings and allow for beam rastering for analyzing non-homogeneous samples or welds, and allow for user-customizable settings in order to optimize data acquisition for different applications.

• The software shall allow for the analyzer to fire multiple laser pulses at the same location in order to burn off surface contamination (i.e. cleaning shots).

• The software shall provide an analysis in 1 second after test start, with additional updates every second thereafter.

• The analyzer shall feature Wi-Fi and Bluetooth integrated with the analyzer for wireless connectivity in order to share data remotely.

• The unit shall be operable using internal, removable, rechargeable Li-ion batteries. The unit shall operate a minimum of 4 hours without a battery change.

• The analyzer shall feature an automated internal calibration check feature, whereby the stage will automatically direct the laser to strike internally mounted calibration material, for the purposes of regularly and automatically verifying the wavelength calibration.

2.0 Place of Delivery:

USDA-ARS

ATTN: TBD at time of award.

411 South Donahue Drive, Auburn, AL 36832

3.0 Delivery Schedule:

Delivery within 90 days of award.

4.0 Point of Contact:

TBD at time of award.