Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Microscope for Critical Element Measurement

Access to Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) in the Electron Microscopy Center. The intended targets are critical mineral ore deposits and engineered materials relevant for energy including batteries and coal fly ash. This system is novel at the U. Kentucky in its ability to measure lithium-- a key component in batteries and the largest sources of private investment in the Commonwealth. This tool provides UK scientists with a competitive advantage to receive outside funding to studying critical minerals and will provides the UK community important training in the new technology that dominates the private sector work on battery and energy storage. PI intends to use equipment to both measure lithium and other critical elements from natural ores and synthetic experiments.