Direct analysis of powder samples using transversely excited atmospheric CO2 laser-induced gas plasma at 1 atm.

A novel method for the direct and sensitive analysis of powder samples has been developed by utilizing the characteristics of a transversely excited atmospheric (TEA) CO(2) laser. In this study, a powder sample was placed in a container and covered by a metal mesh; the metal mesh functions to control the blowing-off of the powder. The container was then perpendicularly attached on a metal surface.