Spectroscopic Ultramicroanalysis with a Laser

Abstract

A microbeam probe capable of vaporizing many biological materials is formed by focusing a conventional laser through a microscope objective. The elemental gases which are excited by this demagnified spot are raised to emission levels when sparked between carbon electrodes. Elemental analysis is then performed on the excited material by conventional spectroscopy. The method is simple and rapid. Simultaneous analysis of multiple elements is practical.