Research progress and challenges of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technology in the field of marine exploration

Abstract

With the increasing demand for marine resources, the existing marine exploration technologies face multiple challenges. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technology is highly anticipated in the field of marine exploration due to its advantages of a wide detection range, high speed, minimal sample damage, and non-contact in situ detection. It can be used to monitor the elemental composition of seawater, seabed sediments, and marine organisms in real time, providing a scientific basis for the rational development of marine resources and environmental protection. However, the application of LIBS technology in the field of marine exploration suffers from challenges such as limitations in underwater laser transmission characteristics, complexity of marine environments, complexity of marine samples, and limitations in systematization, integration, and miniaturization technologies. To overcome these challenges, researchers have conducted in-depth research into the physical mechanisms, integrated systems, data analysis methods, and applications of LIBS technology. The research, application, and development of LIBS technology in ocean exploration over the past decade are reviewed in this article, and its future development potential is explored.