Shaped Femtosecond Laser Pulse Spectroscopy for Nuclear Forensics

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a type of atomic emission spectroscopy that utilizes the emissions produced by a laser-produced plasma. A pulsed laser is focused onto a sample with enough energy to ablate the material and generate plasma. Light from the plasma is collected by an optical system and transported to a spectrometer for spectral analysis, which can yield elemental and potentially isotopic composition. The non-destructive, expeditious in situ capability of LIBS can prove instrumental for identifying and attributing the composition of seized nuclear materials, post-detonation analysis, or safeguards verification. We are working on a novel approach to enhance the sensitivity of LIBS spectroscopy by employing optimally shaped femtosecond pulses produced using the Fourier pulse shaping technique. The use shaped pulses for fs-LIBS analysis is a novel technique and has potential for advancing nuclear forensics science and technology. Advancements in nuclear forensics techniques are needed to address nuclear threats posed by nation states or rogue groups; rapid and accurate LIBS analysis has a potential to make a significant contribution to the effectiveness of deterrence against such threats