Mid-infrared, long wave infrared (4-12 μm) molecular emission signatures from pharmaceuticals using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)

Appl Spectrosc. 2014;68(2):226-31. doi: 10.1366/13-07141.

Abstract

In an effort to augment the atomic emission spectra of conventional laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and to provide an increase in selectivity, mid-wave to long-wave infrared (IR), LIBS studies were performed on several organic pharmaceuticals. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy signature molecular emissions of target organic compounds are observed for the first time in the IR fingerprint spectral region between 4-12 μm. The IR emission spectra of select organic pharmaceuticals closely correlate with their respective standard Fourier transform infrared spectra. Intact and/or fragment sample molecular species evidently survive the LIBS event. The combination of atomic emission signatures derived from conventional ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared LIBS with fingerprints of intact molecular entities determined from IR LIBS promises to be a powerful tool for chemical detection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aspirin / chemistry
  • Equipment Design
  • Lasers
  • Models, Chemical
  • Organic Chemicals / analysis
  • Organic Chemicals / chemistry
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / analysis*
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / chemistry*
  • Spectrophotometry, Infrared / instrumentation
  • Spectrophotometry, Infrared / methods*

Substances

  • Organic Chemicals
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations
  • Aspirin