Z-903 LIBS Analyzer

This is a handheld device that allows for the rapid quantitive detection, in a surface material, of all elements in the periodic table up to Uranium.

LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectrometry) works by zapping a small portion of inspection area with a sharp destructive laser pulse, and then rapidly analysing the visual spectra of the gases produced. I believe then, working back using an internal database of such signatures, it figures out what the zapped material was made of on the elemental level.

I'm by no means an expert on this tech so perhaps someone more familiar can add-clarity or correct.

Seems HN is not aware of this tech, but may want to be - I couldn't find anything in a search.

Relevant front-pager: "Laser desorption mass spectrometry - Alien detector that fits in your hand" https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=34413287