The Mineral Automated Yield Analyzer System (MAYA 6060) is designed by Laser Detect Systems Ltd. in Israel for real-time analysis using LIBS, or laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.
The Mineral Automated Yield Analyzer system – MAYA for short – is designed for real-time analysis of minerals, ores, chemicals, and raw materials. Housed in a compact case, it is easy to install and relocate to any desired location. The system uses laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technology to safely analyze mineral material passing below it on a conveyor belt. Unlike other elemental analyzers, the MAYA system does not generate ionizing radiation (X-Ray, gamma, neutron, etc.) and therefore is the safest available method for full elemental on-line analysis.
LIBS is a type of atomic emission spectroscopy which uses a highly energetic laser pulse as the excitation source. The laser is focused to form a plasma of the material to be analyzed. Spectral analysis of the plasma emission created yields a fingerprint of the elemental composition of the sample.
Method of Analysis (LIBS)
- A laser beam is focused on the surface of the material to be analyzed
- The temperature at the focus point reaches 20,000-40,000°C. The material becomes plasma and emits light whose wavelength distribution is material dependent (fingerprint of the elemental composition of the sample)
- The emitted light is collected and dispersed according to its wavelength component (spectra)
- Sampled material is analyzed by comparing the sampled dispersed light to a given chemical element’s spectrum
- The laser’s typical operating frequency generates approximately 300-500 spectra, which enables a full analysis result every three to five minutes
Related Pages
Find out more about LIBS and its applications in the pages below: