Shaped Femtosecond Laser Pulse Spectroscopy for Nuclear Forensics

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a type of atomic emission spectroscopy which 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. To the best of our knowledge, 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 the potential nuclear treats 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.