Mechanisms and efficient elimination approaches of self-absorption in LIBS

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a promising analytical spectroscopy technology based on spectroscopic analysis of the radiation emitted by laser-produced plasma. However, for quantitative analysis by LIBS, the so-called self-absorption effects on the spectral lines, which affect plasma characteristics, emission line shapes, calibration curves, etc, can no longer be neglected. Hence, understanding and determining the self-absorption effects are of utmost importance to LIBS research. The purpose of this review is to provide a global overview of self-absorption in LIBS on the issues of experimental observations and adverse effects, physical mechanisms, correction or elimination approaches, and utilizations in the past century. We believe that better understanding and effective solving the self-absorption effect will further enhance the development and maturity of LIBS.