Multimodal approach to mineral identification: merging Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy with Hyperspectral imaging

While laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy is often used as a standalone technique, recent years saw an increasing interest in their combination with additional techniques towards multimodal sensing solutions capable of enhancing the capabilities of this technological solution. In this work, we try to identify possible synergies that arise from merging the analysis of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy with that from a hyperspectral scanning of the sample, comparing it with the performance of standalone solutions. Having investigated the multimodal approach for a case study involving the identification of lithium minerals, our preliminary results demonstrate that while both solutions can provide reasonable results for qualitative mineral identification, they feature advantages and disadvantages that shall be taken into further consideration. Nevertheless, when working in collaboration, the results enclosed suggest that an integrated tandem solution can be an interesting tool for material analysis for research and industrial applications, combining the best of both instruments.