Selection of an analytical line for determining lithium in aluminum alloys by laser induced breakdown spectrometry

Possibilities for determining lithium in aluminum alloys by laser spark spectrometry are studied. The optimum conditions for registering the emission signal of lithium at which the effect of the continuous background radiation of the laser plasma attains a minimum are found. The possibility of determining lithium by laser spark spectrometry using the spectral line at 610 nm is studied for the first time. A comparison of the detection limits and sensitivities of determining lithium by emission its lines at 610 and 671 nm has indicated the advisability of using the line 610 nm for the studied alloys. The detection limit calculated using the 3 sigma test was found to be 230 ppm (610 nm) and 870 ppm (671 nm).