Abstract

This paper reports on the simultaneous detection of Mg, Mn, Fe and Pb in Al samples using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and optical multichannel analysis of the photoablated microplasma. Using calibrated samples, well characterized linear working curves were determined for these minor components over the 0.01–1% concentration range. In addition optimum experimental conditions were found that allow the analysis to be carded out in a fast and non-invasive manner. The potential application of the method to on-line industrial analysis is also suggested.