System and method for detecting and analyzing compositions

A system for performing laser plasma spectroscopy on a surface of a turbine component of a turbomachine, the system comprising:

• a laser energy source;
• a probe interconnected with the laser energy source to receive a laser beam therefrom, the probe comprising an outer member and at least first and second inner members within the outer member, at least one of the first and second inner members being rotatable within the outer member, each of the first and second inner members comprising a lens for focusing the laser beam and means for redirecting the laser beam prior to exiting the probe, the probe having an exterior configuration that enables the probe to be fixedly positioned sufficiently close to the component to enable the laser beam exiting the probe to be directed onto the surface of the component and manipulated while the component is stationary to scan an area of the surface, the probe being configured to collect radiation emitted from a laser-induced plasma generated by the laser beam at the surface of the component;
• means for transmitting the radiation from the probe;
• and
• means for spectrally analyzing the radiation transmitted from the probe;
• wherein the probe is configured to be mounted in a port of the turbomachine.

A method of performing laser plasma spectroscopy on a surface of a component, the method comprising:

• generating a laser beam with a laser energy source;
• transmitting the laser beam to a probe fixedly positioned adjacent the component;
• operating the probe so that the laser beam is manipulated by relative movement of at least two redirecting means within the probe to cause the laser beam to scan an area of the surface after the laser beam exits the probe and is directed onto the surface of the component while the component is stationary;
• collecting with the probe radiation emitted from a laser-induced plasma generated by the laser beam at the surface of the component;
• transmitting the radiation from the probe;
• and
• spectrally analyzing the radiation transmitted from the probe.

A method of performing laser plasma spectroscopy on a surface of a turbine component of a turbomachine, the method comprising:

• generating a laser beam with a laser energy source;
• transmitting the laser beam to a probe fixedly positioned adjacent the component;
• operating the probe so that the laser beam exits the probe, is directed onto the surface of the component, and is manipulated while the component is stationary to scan an area of the surface;
• collecting with the probe radiation emitted from a laser-induced plasma generated by the laser beam at the surface of the component;
• transmitting the radiation from the probe;
• spectrally analyzing the radiation transmitted from the probe;
• and
• detecting the extent to which the deposit has infiltrated porosity within the coating;
• wherein the surface of the component is defined by a thermal barrier coating, the laser beam vaporizes a deposit on the coating, the radiation is spectrally analyzed to detect and chemically analyze the deposit and quantitatively measure the deposit, the deposit contains oxides of calcium, magnesium, aluminum, and silicon, and the probe is mounted in a port of the turbomachine.