Since the late 19th century, the origin of the Earth and the continuing evolution of its environment have been studied by geologists by analyzing minerals, rocks and soils. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a versatile geochemical tool able to capture the entire elemental composition of a sample, thus it is used in a wide range of applications, from Mars rovers to earth rock identification. More recently, advanced chemical analytical tools, such as handheld (h) LIBS, have been developed by adapting and upgrading traditional laboratory techniques, which allowed their use in the field. Currently, the availability of reliable analytical instrumentation that can operate directly on site, such as hLIBS, is in high demand. The role and performance of hLIBS devices in the field will be discussed in the context of different research applications while targeting specific questions of geological interest. The fast data acquisition and minimal sample preparation features of these devices make them very attractive candidate tools for qualitative elemental analysis, microchemical mapping and sample selection.

Dr. Giorgio S. Senesi is a geologist and researcher at National Council Research (CNR), Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (ISTP), Bari seat. He holds a BA/MS and PhD in Earth Sciences from University of Bari. Research interests: Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy applied to minerals, gems, rocks, meteorites, soils, fertilizers, plants and cultural heritage, laser-matter interaction, laser spectroscopy, morphological characterization techniques (AFM, SEM, TEM) and nanocrystalline diamond films. 
Author of more than 100 scientific and technical papers and 7 book chapters. H-index: 29 (Scopus); Number of citations: ISI: 2380; Scopus: 2570; Google Scholar: 2990
ORCID profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3947-6853