Spectrochimica Acta Part B Announces SciX Paper Selections for 2026
Spectroscopyonline.com reported that Spectrochimica Acta Part B has selected its three best papers to be honored at the SciX session organized annually by the journal’s editorial board. Alessandro De Giacomo, Editor-in-Chief of the publication, detailed that the selection process involves a jury of 35 international members from the editorial board and team.
Technical Instrumentation and Advanced Laser Ablation Applications Recognized
Among the papers chosen for the 2026 session, one focuses heavily on technical aspects concerning the use of intensified charge-coupled devices (ICCDs) to ensure correct use of the instrumentation. The other two recognized studies focus on specific applications utilizing laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry, specifically laser ablation ICP-MS. De Giacomo noted that these selections demonstrate how laser ablation is maturing for highly advanced applications.
Overcoming Drone Flight Challenges with Self-Calibrated LIBS
Beyond editorial selections, De Giacomo’s team is presenting an in-flight LIBS system mounted on a drone. Operating LIBS on a drone historically presents two major hurdles: satellite connection positioning uncertainty spanning centimeters, and flight oscillations or tilting that prevent traditional reference comparison measurements. To solve this, the team developed a self-calibrated approach where instrumental calibration and element quantification occur directly from the signal measurement itself.
This self-calibration gives operators significant freedom during flight. While the system can detect elements down to parts per million (ppm), quantification with acceptable accuracy down to 0.1% functions effectively over wide scale samples spanning kilometers, where exact positioning matters less than gaining a broad compositional overview of the field.
Particle Size Dictates LIBS Signal Strength Despite Vaporization Differences
Plasma physics research continues to examine particle characteristics that receive less attention than typical plasma behaviors. Smaller nanoparticles vaporize more efficiently, yet larger ones produce a stronger overall LIBS signal because total atom count drives the outcome. This dynamic presents distinct considerations for applications like biomedical tagging, where particle size constraints remain strict.
Academic Training Priorities in Spectroscopy
Addressing students building careers across fundamental plasma physics and applied instrument development, De Giacomo emphasized the importance of foundational scientific training. Having served as a professor for 27 years, he cautioned against rushing straight into applications driven solely by high-end technology. Grounding students in fundamentals fosters revolutionary breakthroughs rather than merely evolutionary work.
Frequently Asked Questions About the SciX Selections and Drone LIBS
How many international jurors select the best papers for Spectrochimica Acta Part B?
The selection process involves a jury of 35 international members comprising the editorial board and team.
What are the primary measurement challenges for drone-mounted LIBS systems?
The main obstacles involve satellite connection positioning uncertainties of several centimeters and flight oscillations or tilting that hinder traditional reference measurement comparisons.
What level of quantitative accuracy does the drone self-calibration method achieve?
The self-calibrated system achieves quantitative information accuracy down to 0.1% while maintaining ppm-level detection capabilities.
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