CHAPTER 4: Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) in Forensic Sensing

Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is considered a versatile, multi-elemental, non-contact, powerful atomic spectrometry method, which can provide elemental composition data for practically any sample in a virtually non-destructive sampling and without or minimal sample preparation. Considering the forensic science, LIBS aggregates important advantages, such as quickness of analysis, potential field portability, the ability to provide characteristic spectral fingerprint information for classification and/or identification purposes, and potential for the investigation of dangerous materials from a safe distance and/or in safe microscopic quantities. Several different LIBS applications can be considered as forensic analysis, such as fraud/adulteration detection, antiterrorism efforts, post-disaster activities, and crimes evidences. Considering these forensics interests, the LIBS technique has been applied successfully to elemental determination in paper and ink, drugs, gunshot residue, spent brass cartridges, soils, bones, glass, mortar, clay, blood, swine skeletal muscles, enriched uranium, automotive paint, cotton, human cremation ash, explosives, counterfeit products, and adulterated foods. Additionally, the analysis of hazardous materials of forensic interest can be performed at a safe distance from the material and non-contact material detection through standoff LIBS systems.