LIBS uses a laser pulse to create temperatures of up to 25,000 K, “so the temperature of the sun,” according to Nault. The laser forms a plasma, which atomizes and excites samples. Within a short time, the plasma expands at supersonic velocities and cools. At that point the atomic emission lines of the material’s elements can be observed.
“It’s extremely fast and extremely accurate,” said Nault. “And we end up with a spectral image of the material we are analyzing, so we know exactly what the elements of our material are.”
This “super system for quality control” is used in mining and a number of other industries, but its application to precision agriculture is what had conference visitors up at this early hour.
Nault said LaserAg technology as “fast, fluid, accurate and green.” Similar to other conference speakers, he described his organization as being very strong in software and technology.
Who should pay attention? Agronomy groups, services providers and ag organizations who understand the value of big data.
“My dream is that our laser will one day be mounted on a farmer’s ATV,” said Nault.
“And my hope is that in five years I will be back here at this conference to show you all our ATV system.”