Enhancing silicon spectral emission in LIBS using Tesla coil discharge

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a powerful technique for elemental analysis, offering rapid analysis, minimal sample preparation, wide elemental coverage, and portability. To enhance the detection sensitivity of LIBS, increasing the spectral emission intensity is crucial. This paper explores the use of Tesla coil (TC) discharge as an alternative to spark discharge in silicon LIBS. The study examines the influence of TC discharge on both time-integrated and time-resolved spectra, with and without TC discharge; the corresponding electron temperature and density are obtained. The results show that TC discharge significantly amplifies the spectral intensity, improving signal sensitivity in LIBS analysis. Specifically, in the laser energy range from 7.4 to 24.0 mJ, TC discharge increased the average spectral line intensities of Si (II) 385.60 nm and Si (I) 390.55 nm by factors of 8.4 and 5.1, respectively. Additionally, the average electron temperature and density were enhanced by approximately 3.2% and 4.2%, respectively, under TC discharge. The advantages of TC discharge include higher energy deposition, extended discharge duration, reduced electrode erosion, and enhanced safety. This research contributes to advancing LIBS technology and expanding its applications in various fields.