Accurate quantitative analysis of gold alloys using multi-pulse laser induced breakdown spectroscopy and a correlation-based calibration method

Multi-pulse laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), in combination with the generalized linear correlation calibration method (GLCM), was applied to the quantitative analysis (fineness determination) of quaternary gold alloys. Accuracy and precision on the order of a few thousandths (‰) was achieved. The analytical performance is directly comparable to that of the standard cupellation method (fire assay), but provides results within minutes and is virtually non-destructive, as it consumes only a few micrograms of the sample.