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This chapter (Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)) is a contribution to the Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research Handbook of Rock and Mineral Analysis – an online textbook that is a fully revised and updated edition of A Handbook of Silicate Rock Analysis (P. J. Potts, 1987, Blackie, Glasgow). Chapter 13 (from Section 3 of the handbook dealing with microbeam techniques) provides first a history of the development of laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy, and of the LIBS process, followed by an examination of the fundamental principles of LIBS and its instrumentation. Discussion is then provided on the preparation of sample material, LIBS matrix effects and signal processing. Different modes of compositional analysis that can be tackled by LIBS are described, including quantitative measurement (covering isotope measurements), compositional mapping, depth profiling and the determination of physical properties of geological materials. The recent tandem coupling of LIBS with laser ablation ICP‐MS instrumentation is explored. Finally, a suite of examples of LIBS analyses of silicate rocks and minerals is provided, demonstrating the utility of this measurement principle in rapid compositional assessment, detailed petrological studies and microgeochemical mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a type of optical emission spectroscopy capable of rapid, simultaneous multi-element analysis. LIBS is effective for the analysis of atmospheric gases, geological fluids, and a broad spectrum of minerals, rocks, sediments, and soils both in and outside the traditional laboratory setting. With the recent introduction of commercial laboratory systems and handheld analyzers for use outside the laboratory for real-time in situ analysis in the field, LIBS is finding increasing application across the geosciences. This article first overviews the LIBS technique and then reviews its application in the domain of mineral exploration and ore processing, where LIBS offers some unique capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]