Authentication of gold jewelry based on elemental composition using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Abstract

One method of identifying gold jewelry is laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIBS). In the LIBS technique, plasma is produced by the interaction of laser pulses with the material. Plasma formed shows a monochromatic beam of light with a certain wavelength then analyzed using a spectrometer. In this present research, pulse Nd: YAG laser (1064nm) is used to generate plasma. Au spectrum analysis was performed to distinguish 99.9%, 75%, and imitation jewelry. The 99.9% gold jewelry spectrum has similarities to the 75% gold spectrum. However, Au elements in imitation jewelry are not detected. Spectrum data with different treatments according to the repetition rate also conducted to determine the characteristics of the generated plasma.