Starting from fundamentals and moving through a thoroughdiscussion of equipment, methods, and techniques, the Handbookof Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy provides a uniquereference source that will be of value for many years to come forthis important new analysis method. The authors, with a totalof over 60 years of experience in the LIBS method, use acombination of tutorial discussions ranging from basic principlesup to more advanced descriptions along with extensive figures andphotographs to clearly explain topics addressed in the text. Inthis second edition, chapters on the use of statistical analysisand advances in detection of weapons of mass destruction have beenadded. Tables of data related to analysis with LIBS have beenupdated.The Handbook of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, SecondEdition:* provides a thorough but understandable discussion of the basicprinciples of the method based on atomic emission spectroscopy,including recently available data leading to bettercharacterization of the LIBS plasma;* presents a discussion of the many advantages of the methodalong with limitations, to provide the reader a balanced overviewof capabilities of the method;* describes LIBS instrumentation ranging from basic set-ups tomore advanced configurations;* presents a comprehensive discussion of the different types ofcomponents (laser, spectrometers, detectors) that can be used forLIBS apparatuses along with suggestions for their use, as well asan up-to-date treatment of the newest advances and capabilities ofLIBS instruments;* presents the analytical capabilities of the method in terms ofdetection limits, accuracy, and precision of measurements for avariety of different sample types;* discusses methods of sampling different media such as gases,liquids, and solids;* presents an overview of some real-world applications of themethod, with new emphasis on sampling of biologically andphysically dangerous materials;* provides an up-to-date list of references to LIBS literaturealong with the latest detection limits and a unique list of elementdetection limits using a uniform analysis method;* provides annotated examples of LIBS spectra which can serve asreferences for the general reader and will be especially useful forthose starting out in the field.