Applied Spectra’s President and CEO Lectures on Laser Plasma Spectrochemistry at SETI Institute

Mountain View, Calif. (June 22, 2011) — Dr. Richard Russo, President and CEO of Applied Spectra, Inc., gave a guest lecture today at SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Institute. The topic, "Laser Plasma Spectrochemistry," is of special interest to space scientists for various reasons, including the ability of "standoff LIBS" to scan, drill, and classify rocks, and then extract information on elemental, key isotopic, and molecular composition.

The lecture was recorded and is avaialable for viewing via the link below or via Applied Spectra's video page.

Lecture Abstract:

Laser ablation (LA) with optical (LIBS) or mass (ICP-MS) detection is an excellent technology for direct sample (solid, liquid, gas) analysis. Benefits of laser ablation include no sample preparation, no consumables, every sample, real-time analysis, standoff (LIBS) measurements, and more. Knowledge of ablation processes, reliable system components, and development of methods has led to excellent performance metrics (accuracy and precision) of this technology. In general, LIBS provides ppm sensitivity for elemental analysis and molecular characterization based on database libraries and chemometrics. LA-ICP-MS provides ppb elemental analysis and isotopic ratios. New research shows the ability to perform isotope measurements in the laser plasma at atmospheric pressure.

Dr. Russo will present a general overview of the underlying mechanisms for laser ablation, attributes of LIBS and LA-ICP-MS, the ability to measure isotopic signatures in laser ablation plasmas at atmospheric pressure, and the commercialization of analytical instruments for such measurements.

About Applied Spectra

Applied Spectra is a leading supplier of laser-based analytical instruments. Our unique, highly automated products harness the latest in laser ablation analysis techniques. We simplify the process of elemental chemical analysis, while delivering rapid, high-precision results that are environmentally friendly. Founded in 2004, we have a manufacturing, research and development facility in Fremont, CA, USA.