Detection of heavy metals in waste polymers by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy: A comparison of UV and IR lasers as ablation source

The use of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for the sorting of polymers containing heavy metal impurity is investigated. Our main attention is directed towards the detection of cadmium and lead in real-life waste materials and certified reference polymer materials. UV (193 nm ArF) and IR (1064 nm Nd:YAG) laser radiation is employed for ablation and plasma generation in air. The LIBS spectra are measured in the UV / VIS range by using an Echelle spectrometer equipped with an ICCD camera. Spectra are compared for the different lasers. Sorted polymer materials are investigated by reference analysis.