Application of femtosecond laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for steel surface hardness measurements

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is one of the most well-known spectrochemical elemental analysis methods, applying its uses not only in laboratory settings but also in modern day settings. One of LIBS many applications includes the surface hardness measurements of metals. Proving to be a modern alternative to abrasive traditional tests of surface hardness, LIBS is an easy, efficient and user-friendly way to evaluate the surface hardness of solid targets. The purpose of this study was to look into the theoretical operation of the LIBS method, to review the scientific articles surrounding the field and to produce and overlook the application of femtosecond laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for steel surface hardness measurements. The given results indicate a linear dependence between the ratio of intensities of ionic Fe (II) and atomic Fe (I) emission lines and the measurements of steel surface hardness. There was also a linear dependence between the plasma excitation temperature calculated from Boltzmann plot method and the sample’s hardness