Recent advances in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy quantification: From fundamental understanding to data processing

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is regarded as the future superstar for chemical analysis, but the relatively high measurement uncertainty and error remain the persistent challenges for its technological development as well as wide applications. In the present work, mechanisms of measurement uncertainty generation and basic principle of signal uncertainty and matrix effects impacting quantification performance were explained. Furthermore, methods for raw signal improvement including sample preparation, system optimization, and especially plasma modulation, which modulates the laser-induced plasma evolution process for higher signal repeatability and signal-to-noise ratio, were reviewed and discussed. Different LIBS mathematical quantification methods including calibration-free methods and calibration methods, which were classified into physical-principle based calibration model, data-driven based calibration model, and hybrid model, were discussed and compared. Overall, a framework of quantification improvement strategy including key steps and main way-out was summarized and recommended for LIBS future development. •A framework strategy to for LIBS quantification improvement was postulated.•Recent progress of the mechanism of LIBS signal uncertainty generation was summarized.•Various plasma modulation techniques for raw signal quality improvement were presented and compared.•Synergetic use of physical model and data-driven method for LIBS quantification was illustrated and recommended.