Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for the classification of unknown powders.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was used to discern between two biological agent surrogates (Bacillus atrophaeus and ovalbumin) and potential interferent compounds (mold spores, humic acid, house dust, and Arizona road dust). Multiple linear regression and neural network analysis models were constructed by using B. atrophaeus and ovalbumin spectra, and limits of detection were calculated. Classification of the agent surrogates' LIBS spectra was attempted by using a neural network model. False negative rates of 0% were observed for B. atrophaeus (100 colony forming units) spore spectra with the neural network model used for classification.