On-Site Rare Earth Element Analysis
The iSpecLIBS-HH-RE is a handheld LIBS rare earth element analyzer for exploration, mining, processing, research, and customs inspection. Using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), it delivers qualitative and semi-quantitative results for rare-earth elements, including La, Ce, Pr, and Nd, in 1–3 seconds.
The 2.7 kg analyzer combines one-button testing with real-time concentration display and an IP54-rated enclosure for use in dusty and damp field environments. Its all-optical measurement technology uses no radioactive source and produces no ionizing radiation. No argon or vacuum is required for analysis.
Key Features
- Optics and algorithms for rare-earth analysis. The optical system and analytical algorithms are optimized for characteristic lanthanide emission lines, providing high sensitivity to both light and heavy rare earth elements.
- Fast multi-element results. Start a measurement with one button and view results in 3 seconds or less.
- No radioactive source. All-optical LIBS measurement avoids the ionizing-radiation hazards associated with radioactive sources.
- Portable field operation. The 2.7 kg design offers IP54 protection against dust and splashing water, with up to 4 hours of battery runtime and replaceable batteries.
- Connected data management. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS support real-time data transfer, location tagging, and centralized data management through dedicated software.
- Clear, straightforward controls. A 4.3-inch high-resolution color touchscreen offers English and Simplified Chinese menus for easy operation with minimal training.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | iSpecLIBS-HH-RE |
|---|---|
| Product Image |
 |
| Dimensions | 300 × 300 × 100 mm |
| Weight | 2.7 kg |
| Spectral Range | 200–505 nm |
| Laser | 10 mJ; 1064 nm; Class 3B, passively Q-switched solid-state laser |
| Spectrometer | Czerny–Turner optical system with a high-resolution miniature CCD/CMOS detector |
| Spectral Resolution | 0.2–0.28 nm |
| Sample Types | Rare-earth ores and related materials |
| Representative Rare-Earth Elements | Including La, Ce, Pr, and Nd |
| Concentration Range | Approximately 10 ppm to percentage levels, depending on the element and sample matrix |
| Analysis Time | ≤3 s |
| Application Database | User-editable |
| Data Export Formats | CSV, XLSX |
| Report Generation | Supported |
| Analysis Mode | Semi-quantitative |
| Identification Accuracy | 80–90% |
| Argon and Vacuum Requirements | No argon or vacuum required; quick-release optical chamber for easy cleaning and maintenance |
| Operating Temperature | 0–40 °C |
| Ingress Protection Rating | IP54 |
| Display | 4.3-inch color touchscreen |
| Power Requirements | 14.4 V, 3.6 A; rated power: 50 W |
| Battery Runtime | 4 h; four replaceable batteries |
| Safety Interlocks | Chamber pressure, spectrum type, and light/dark sensor interlocks |
| Dual-Camera System | A wide-angle camera records sample images and location context, while a macro camera supports laser targeting and ablation-spot inspection |
| Languages | English and Simplified Chinese |
| Storage / Connectivity | 32, 64, or 128 GB of onboard storage; Bluetooth, USB Type-C, Wi-Fi, and GPS |
| Operating System | Linux |
| Standard Accessories | Carrying case, reference library, spare battery set, laser safety glasses, charger, argon kit, cleaning kit (removable nosepiece), and communication cable |
| Calibration and Verification | Automatic calibration with alloy reference standards and wavelength-scale verification |
Applications
The iSpecLIBS-HH-RE supports work in mineral exploration, industrial production, scientific research, customs inspection, and new energy and advanced materials.
Geological Exploration
For geological surveys and rare-earth mineral exploration, the analyzer provides rapid on-site testing of soils, rocks, and mineralized outcrops. It measures rare-earth element concentrations and distribution patterns and automatically generates REE distribution plots, helping geologists identify mineralization types and anomalous enrichment.
Mining and Process Control
Mine operators can measure ore grades at mining faces in real time to guide extraction and sorting. At processing facilities, rapid testing of raw materials, intermediate products, and finished products supports process stability and consistent product quality.
Scientific Research
Research institutes and university laboratories can use the iSpecLIBS-HH-RE for geological sample screening, compositional analysis of rare-earth materials, and environmental sample testing. Rapid measurements help improve research efficiency and analytical throughput.
Customs Inspection
The analyzer supports port-of-entry inspection and commodity verification without ionizing radiation. Customs officers can rapidly identify and analyze imported and exported rare-earth products and goods containing rare-earth elements, helping detect smuggling, product misclassification, and commercial fraud.
Explore the handheld LIBS elemental analyzer range for other on-site analysis applications.
