Micro-LIBS enables fast elemental imaging of marine shells for archaeological and environmental research

Laser-Induced Breakdown [Plasma] Spectroscopy (LIB[P]S), implemented through an appropriately designed optical microscope, hence defined as micro-LIBS, has facilitated fast elemental mapping of marine shell cross-sections. The data produced, 2D elemental maps (Mg/Ca) of the aragonite growth layers reveal patterns which upon analysis are found to provide a reliable seasonally-resolved view of temperature fluctuations that can be related to environmental factors or used to trace activities of coastal communities. The increased efficiency offered by LIBS, enables the study of a larger quantity of shell samples for temperature variation, ecological parameters, and human consumption practices. In this work, we present detailed specifications and parameters for the development of a customized micro-LIBS system capable of generating Mg/Ca images on marine shells that directly correlate with seasonal sea temperatures. Our main objective was to develop specifications that enable easy adaptation of LIBS systems to existing laboratories for studying hard-tissue samples.