Synergistic Multi-Technique Strategies for Signal Enhancement and Quantitative Improvement in Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy: A Review

Abstract

This review presents recent advances in combing multiple strategies to enhance the performance of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Conventional LIBS offers notable advantages, including minimal sample preparation and rapid analysis, however, it still suffers from limitations such as low sensitivity and relatively high limits of detection (LOD). These drawbacks primarily arise from weak spectral signals, making signal enhancement requirement. To address these challenges, a various enhancement techniques have been proposed. Although single enhancement methods can improve LIBS performance to some extent, the achieved improvements are often insufficient. Consequently, the concept of integrating two or more enhancement methods has been explored and successfully implemented. In this review, 17 different combination methods are systematically summarized, such as, the combination of spatial confinement and double-pulse LIBS (DP-LIBS), and nanoparticles (NPs) coupled with magnetic confinement (MC). These combined methods significantly improve LIBS performance by enhancing sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), reducing LOD, and strengthening both qualitative and quantitative analytical capabilities. Moreover, multi-method synergies greatly expand the application scope of LIBS, enabling reliable detection across diverse operating environments, sample morphologies, and external conditions. As a result, LIBS becomes more intelligent, versatile, and practical, thereby better serving scientific research and real-world applications.