Ultrasensitive nanoparticle enhanced laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy using a super-hydrophobic substrate coupled with magnetic confinement

In this study, we developed a substrate to enhance the sensitivity of LIBS by 5 orders of magnitude. Using a combination of field enhancement due to the metal nanoparticles in the substrate, the aggregate effect of super-hydrophobic interfaces and magnetic confinement, we performed a quantitative measurement of copper in solution with concentrations on the ppt level. We also demonstrated that the substrate improves quantitative measurements by providing an opportunity for internal standardization.