Ideal radiation source for plasma spectroscopy generated by laser ablation

Phys Rev E. 2017 Nov;96(5-1):053210. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevE.96.053210. Epub 2017 Nov 28.

Abstract

Laboratory plasmas inherently exhibit temperature and density gradients leading to complex investigations. We show that plasmas generated by laser ablation can constitute a robust exception to this. Supported by emission features not observed with other sources, we achieve plasmas of various compositions which are both uniform and in local thermodynamic equilibrium. These properties characterize an ideal radiation source opening multiple perspectives in plasma spectroscopy. The finding also constitutes a breakthrough in the analytical field as fast analyses of complex materials become possible.