Interference correction for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy using a deconvolution algorithm

Abstract

The interference of the continuum background and overlapping peaks on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was considered as one of the major obstacles in LIBS quantitative analysis. To minimize the impact, an algorithm based on an iterative discrete wavelet transform (IDWT) and Richardson–Lucy deconvolution (RLD) was developed. The optimization of IDWT and RLD was implemented. The broadening could be compressed by 5 times using RLD, approximately. After data processing, the R² values increased from 0.973 to 0.993 for Mn in iron alloys and from 0.816 to 0.985 for Fe in aluminum alloys, respectively. Meanwhile, the RMSECV decreased from 0.057 wt% to 0.032 wt% and from 0.101 wt% to 0.041 wt%, respectively. This work demonstrates that the IDWT combined with the RLD can be a powerful and potential algorithm for spectral interference correction.