Identification Of Elements From Indonesian Ginseng Using Nd:YAG Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Abstract

Ginseng herbal medications provide essential macro, micro, and trace elements that promote the overall well-being of the human body. The analysis of constituents in herbal medicines is crucial. The objective of this study is to determine the elemental composition of ginseng-based herbal medicine using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and compare it with the X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) method. Additionally, the study also investigates the impact of environmental air pressure on the emission spectrum obtained. The investigation included employing a Nd: YAG laser beam with a wavelength of 1064 nm. Experimentally, the laser beam was concentrated onto the target sample's surface using a quartz lens with a focal point of 10 cm, resulting in the generation of plasma. The plasma emission was then collected by an optical fiber, thereafter examined using an optical multichannel analyzer (OMA), and transferred to a computer for data analysis using Spectra Lab Software. Following the identification process using the LIBS approach, the results were then compared using the XRF method. The XRF result findings indicated the presence of many macro elements (K, Ca, Na, Mg), micro elements (Ni, Fe, Mn), and trace elements (Al and Ti). The LIBS approach outperforms the XRF method in identifying elements in ginseng-based herbal medicine.