Fieldable chemical analysis
The UMALASERLAB specializes in the development of fieldable instrumentation. A large number of measurement campaigns have been completed in scenarios such a desert, seashore, urban areas, steel factories, and other extreme environments.
The following is a list of field operations completed by the Umalaserlab:
ANALYSIS OF ARCHEOLOGICAL ASSETS IN THE WRECK OF CONIL DE LA FRONTERA
Chemical Characterization in situ of the submerged remains of a wreck located in Conil de la Frontera (Cádiz).
PERSONNEL:
- JAVIER LASERNA
- PATRICIA LUCENA
- MARINA LOPEZ
- AURORA HIGUERAS
- NURIA MARISCAL
- JOSEFA MARTI
DATE: NOVEMBER 8th-110th, 2016
INSTRUMENTATION: AQUALAS
FUNDING AGENCY: Proyecto de Excelencia de la Junta de Andalucia, PEX-P11-FQM-07193
DETECTION OF DIFFERENT HEATS DURING CONTINUOUS CASTING MANUFACTURING OF STAINLESS STEEL
In this field campaign, a stand-off LIBS system was used for at-line monitoring and detection of different heats during continuous casting manufacturing of stainless steel. LIBS data processing by discriminant function analysis has been demonstrated beneficial for identification of steel heats and transitions.
PERSONNEL:
- JAVIER LASERNA
- LUISA MARIA CABALIN
- JAVIER RUIZ
- TOMAS DELGADO
- DAVID PEREZ
DATE: FEBRUARY 15th-19th, 2016
INSTRUMENTATION: LACOMORE
FUNDING AGENCY: Project financed by the European Commision – RFSR-CT-2013-00034
IDENTIFICATION OF THE GRADE TRANSITION IN THE CONTINUOUS CASTING OF SPECIAL STEEL BY LIBS
In this field campaign the identification of the grade transition in the continuous casting of special steels by stand-off LIBS was carried out. The potential of LIBS technology to accurately predict the elemental composition distribution in the intermixed billet as a function of its length was demonstrated. At-line measurements were validated by laboratory results and by a mathematical model of prediction.
PERSONNEL:
- JAVIER LASERNA
- LUISA MARIA CABALIN
- JAVIER RUIZ
- TOMAS DELGADO
- DIANA MIER
DATE: NOVEMBER 10th-17th, 2015
INSTRUMENTATION: LACOMORE
FUNDING AGENCY: Project financed by the European Commision – RFSR-CT-2013-00034
IDENTIFICATION OF CHEMICAL FINGERPRINTS IN THE WRECK OF SAN PEDRO DE ALCANTARA
Inspection and identification of archaeological assets in a real underwater archaeological site. Iron cannons, metallic artefacts and ceramics materials were in-situ analyzed at 10 meters deep.
PERSONNEL:
- JAVIER LASERNA
- MILAGROS ALZAGA
- JOSEFA MARTI
- NURIA ESTHER
- AURORA
- FRAN FORTES
- SALVADOR GUIRADO
- MARINA LÓPEZ
DATE: JULY 20th-22th, 2015
INSTRUMENTATION: AQUALÁS
FUNDING AGENCY: PROYECTO DE EXCELENCIA DE LA JUNTA DE ANDALUCÍA, P11-FQM-7193
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NOVEL REMOTE LASER-INDUCED BREAKDOWN SPECTROSCOPY SYSTEM FOR UNDERWATER ANALYSIS. FIELD TEST
A number of field test were designed to evaluate the robustness and analytical capabilities of the novel designed AQUALAS instrument.
PERSONNEL:
- FRAN FORTES
- SALVADOR GUIRADO
- MARINA LÓPEZ
DATE: JULY 25th, 2014
INSTRUMENTATION: AQUALÁS
FUNDING AGENCY: PROYECTO DE EXCELENCIA DE LA JUNTA DE ANDALUCÍA – P11-FQM-7193
ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF MATERIALS IN AN UNDERWATER ARCHEOLOGICAL SHIPWRECK
A fiber-optics-based remote instrument was designed for the recognition and identification of archeological assets in the wreck of the Bucentaure (Bay of Cadiz, South of Spain). The LIBS prototype featured both single-pulse (SP-LIBS) and multi-pulse excitation (MP-LIBS).
PERSONNEL:
- JAVIER LASERNA
- FRAN FORTES
- SALVADOR GUIRADO
DATE: JULY 9th-11th, 2012
INSTRUMENTATION: AQUALAS
FUNDING AGENCY: INSTITUTO ANDALUZ DEL PATRIMONIO HISTÓRICO
EVALUATION OF THE USE OF STANDOFF LIBS IN ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE: SURVEYING THE CATHEDRAL OF MÁLAGA
LIBS is a cutting-edge technology which offers appealing features for its application in the field of the cultural heritage. It is a proven technology for the fast and simultaneous detection of major and trace elements with minimal destructiveness, using easily compactable instrumentation into movable platforms for the in situ and standoff chemical analysis of objects in real time.
PERSONNEL:
- JAVIER LASERNA
- PATRICIA LUCENA
- JAVIER MOROS
- FRANCISCO JAVIER FORTES
- INMACULADA GAONA
- SALVADOR GUIRADO
- JORGE SERRANO
DATE: FEBRUARY 22nd & 23th, 2011
INSTRUMENTATION:
Demonstrator prototype #2: A field-deployable sensor designed for standoff measurements at distances of up to a few hundred meters was used in LIBS investigations. Sensor is mounted on a movable platform, equipped with leveling feet to ensure stability in spite of the nature of the ground. Furthermore, lasers and telescope are fitted with pneumatic-leveling isolation mounts to avoid oscillations at the focusing point on the target and at the light collection point on the optical fiber.
FUNDING AGENCY: INSTITUTO ANDALUZ DEL PATRIMONIO HISTÓRICO – CATEDRAL 8.07/39.2191-1 IAPH. PLAN ANDALUZ DE INVESTIGACIÓN GRUPO PAIDI: FQM-156
CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF AN OLD PAINTING BY LASER BASED TECHNOLOGY
In-situ chemical analysis of pigments in an old painting was performed in the CARTEL FINE ART Gallery using the man-portable LIBS prototype.
PERSONNEL:
- JAVIER LASERNA
- FRAN FORTES
DATE: JULY 29th, 2010
INSTRUMENTATION: MAN PORTABLE LIBS SYSTEM
FUNDING AGENCY: 8.07/39.2191-1 IAPH-1
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF ARCHEOLOGICAL MATERIALS IN SUBMARINE ENVIRONMENTS USING LIBS. ON-SITE TRIALS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA
For the first time, the capability of LIBS for the on-site recognition and identification of immersed materials at a depth of 30 m has been demonstrated by using a remote LIBS instrument. Laser radiation was delivered through a 45-m long optical fiber.
PERSONNEL:
- JAVIER LASERNA
- VIOLETA LAZIC
- FRAN FORTES
- SALVADOR GUIRADO
DATE: JULY 20th, 2010
INSTRUMENTATION: APL
FUNDING AGENCY: INSTITUTO ANDALUZ DEL PATROMIONIO HISTÓRICO – AQUALAS 8.07/39.3320
CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND LASER CLEANING OF THE TERRACOTTA OF THE DUCAL PANTHEON OF SAN JERONIMO BY LASER-INDUCED BREAKDOWN SPECTROSCOPY
A man portable LIBS system was used for analyzing 37 zones in terracotta of Saint Jerome, which present different pigments and coloring. In addition various base materials of this pieces was characterized as the plaster and terracotta.
PERSONNEL:
- LUISA Mª CABALÍN
- FRAN FORTES
DATE: 2009
INSTRUMENTATION: MAN PORTABLE LIBS SYSTEM
FUNDING AGENCY: INSTITUTO ANDALUZ DEL PATRIMONIO HISTÓRICO
OPTICAL TECHNIQUES FOR STANDOFF SENSING OF EXPLOSIVES. FIELD TESTS CONDUCTED ON THE “LA MARAÑOSA” TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE (ITM), SPAIN.
Interest in the use of laser-based sensors operating in standoff mode is increasing due to the wide range of options offered in the evaluation of distant targets. The possibility of direct and distant access to suspect targets by standoff measurements makes Raman and LIBS valuable tools in operational scenarios for security forces. However, despite their high potential, the performance aspects of any sensor for analysis at a distance are curtailed as compared with its use in situ. Careful evaluations of the experimental parameters governing the analytical response of these techniques, particularly in respect to the amenable distance to target, the data acquisition speed, and the sources of uncertainty in any given measurement are required. Spectroscopic fingerprints collected from a wide range of high explosives and associated compounds under different analysis conditions and operational scenarios were evaluated in terms of signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, analytical sensitivity, and signal stability.
PERSONNEL:
- JAVIER LASERNA
- PATRICIA LUCENA
- LUCIANO TOBARIA
- JAVIER MOROS
- JUAN ANTONIO LORENZO
- INMACULADA GAONA
DATE: from November 23th to December 4th, 2008
INSTRUMENTATION:
Demonstrator prototype #1: A field-deployable Raman sensor designed for standoff measurements at distances of up to tens of meters was used in Raman investigations.Demonstrator prototype #2: A field-deployable sensor designed for standoff measurements at distances of up to a few hundred meters was used in LIBS investigations.Sensors are mounted on a movable platform each, equipped with leveling feet to ensure stability in spite of the nature of the ground. Furthermore, lasers and telescopes are fitted with pneumatic-leveling isolation mounts to avoid oscillations at the focusing point on the target and at the light collection point on the optical fiber.
FUNDING AGENCY: Spanish Government. MINISTERIO DE CIENCIA E INNOVACIÓN. CTQ2007-60348 project
CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND DIAGNOSIS OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL OBJECTS FROM THE NECROPOLIS OF LA JOYA
Archaeological objects were in-situ characterized in the facilities of IAPH. Binary (Cu-Sn) and ternary (Cu-Sn-Pb) bronzes alloys were identified in the set of samples. Ceramic materials were also characterized during the analysis.
PERSONNEL:
- LUISA Mª CABALÍN
- FRAN FORTES
DATE: from March 10th to 11th and from March 31th to April 1th, 2008
INSTRUMENTATION: Man portable LIBS system
FUNDING AGENCY: Andalusian government. INSTITUTO ANDALUZ DEL PATRIMONIO HISTÓRICO (IAPH) – La Joya. 8.07/39.2191-2 project
IN SITU DETECTION OF OIL SPILL RESIDUES IN THE GALICIAN COAST
A man portable LIBS analyzer was used for the on-site environmental control and analysis of the oil spill from The Prestige in the Galician Coast. LIBS was used to identify the differences or similarities between crude oil and fuel residues.
PERSONNEL:
- JAVIER LASERNA
- LUISA MARÍA CABALÍN
- FRANCISCO JAVIER FORTES
DATE: from November 19th to 22th, 2007
INSTRUMENTATION: Man portable LIBS system
FUNDING AGENCY: Spanish Government. MINISTERIO DE CIENCIA E INNOVACIÓN. CTQ2004-02966 project
IN SITU ANALYTICAL ASSESSMENT AND CHEMICAL IMAGING OF HISTORICAL BUILDINGS USING A MAN-PORTABLE LASER SYSTEM
A man-portable laser system was used for the in situ analytical assessment and chemical mapping of the facade of the cathedral of Malaga (Spain). A chemical characterization of the different materials employed in the construction of this building was performed to qualitatively discriminate between sandstone, limestone, marble, and cement mortar, which are the main components used in this class of historical monument.
PERSONNEL:
- JOSÉ CUÑAT
- FRAN FORTES
DATE: from October4th, 2005 to October 6th, 2006
INSTRUMENTATION: Man portable LIBS system
FUNDING AGENCY: Andalusian government. INSTITUTO ANDALUZ DEL PATRIMONIO HISTÓRICO (IAPH)- CATEDRAL.
REAL TIME AND IN SITU DETERMINATION OF LEAD IN ROAD SEDIMENTS
In situ, real time levels of lead in road sediments were measured using the man-portable LIBS instrument. During the field campaign, averaged Pb concentration in the sediments were ranging from 480 µg g−1 to 660 µg g−1 depending on the inspected area, i.e. the entrance, the central part and the exit of the tunnel. The L.O.D. was calculated in µg g−1.
PERSONNEL:
- JOSÉ CUÑAT
- FRAN FORTES
- LUIS ÁLVAREZ
DATE: 2006
INSTRUMENTATION: Man portable LIBS system
FUNDING AGENCY: Spanish Government. MINISTERIO DE CIENCIA E INNOVACIÓN. CTQ2007-60348 project
CHRONOCULTURAL SORTING OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL BRONZE OBJECTS IN THE MUSEUM OF MALAGA
A set of 30 archaeological metallic objects from the Museum of Malaga was chemically characterized by the man-portable LIBS instrument. Bronze artefacts were sorted according to their metal content.
PERSONNEL:
- LUISA Mª CABALÍN
- FRAN FORTES
DATE: OCTOBER, 2005
INSTRUMENTATION: AQUALAS
FUNDING AGENCY: Andalusian government. P11-FQM-7193 project
MAN-PORTABLE LIBS SYSTEM FOR IN SITU CHARACTERIZATION OF KARSTIC FORMATIONS
Field testing of a man-portable instrument for in situ chemical screening in areas of geochemical importance such as the Nerja Cave (Malaga, Spain). Sr/Ca depth profiles obtained present different trends, which could be used as indicators for paleoclimatology and paleohydrology and could explain the speleothem genesis.
PERSONNEL:
- JOSÉ CUÑAT
- FRAN FORTES
DATE: from june 7th, 2005 to December 21th, 2005
INSTRUMENTATION: Man portable LIBS system
FUNDING AGENCY: Foundation ‘CUEVA DE NERJA’
PORTABLE INSTRUMENT FOR IN SITU CHARACTERIZATION OF SPELEOTHEMS IN KARSTIC CAVES
A portable LIBS instrument was developed and tested in the determination of thickness and semi-quantitative composition of alteration layers on the surface of speleothems in the Cave of Nerja (Malaga, Spain). Composition depth profiles of Fe, Si, Al and Mn were measured in order to evaluate alteration processes in the Nerja Cave.
PERSONNEL:
- JAVIER LASERNA
- JOSÉ CUÑAT
- FRAN FORTES
DATE: February 6th, 2004
INSTRUMENTATION: Prototype 1 portable LIBS system
FUNDING AGENCY: Foundation ‘CUEVA DE NERJA’
