Bruker's new EOS 500 is a handheld Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (HH-LIBS) system. The EOS 500 is based on laser excitation of a metal sample followed by quantitative analysis of the light generated in the plume. This technology provides quick (3-5 sec) analysis of alloys including aluminum/titanium/magnesium alloys. 
 
The EOS is especially well suited to scrap sorting of these alloys because of its quick and user friendly operation. In addition to the normal XRF elements, the EOS is capable of measuring very light elements such as Li, Be and B; as well as laser fast analysis of Mg, Al, Si. 
 
HH-LIBS and HH-XRF 
Physics indicates that HH-LIBS and HH-XRF are naturally complementary and each technique is preferred to measure certain elements and certain types of alloys. HH-LIBS is well suited to rapidly measuring the low atomic number elements like the alkaline (Li, Na, etc.) and alkaline-earth metals (Be, Mg, etc.) but are not well suited to measuring high atomic number elements such as the refractory elements (Nb, Mo, W, etc.). HH-XRF on the other hand, is well suited to measuring high atomic number elements but not well suited at measuring low atomic number elements like Mg, Al, Si. This makes HH-LIBS the ideal technique for measuring light alloys such as Mg, Al and Ti alloys while HH-XRF is the ideal technique for measuring standard alloys like stainless steel, high temperature alloys and the like. Now is your chance; choose the right tool for the job!