Generation of high-temperature and low-density plasmas for improved spectral resolutions in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Authors

• X. N. He, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• W. Hu, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• C. M. Li, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
• L. B. Guo, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
• Yongfeng Lu, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

5-23-2011

Citation

Optics Express 19:11 (2011), pp. 10997 - 11006

Comments

Copyright © 2011 Optical Society of America. Used by permission.

Abstract

Improved spectral resolutions were achieved in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) through generation of high-temperature and low-density plasmas. A first pulse from a KrF excimer laser was used to produce particles by perpendicularly irradiating targets in air. A second pulse from a 532 nm Nd:YAG laser was introduced parallel to the sample surface to reablate the particles. Optical scattering from the first-pulse plasmas was imaged to elucidate particle formation in the plasmas. Narrower line widths (full width at half maximums: FWHMs) and weaker self-absorption were observed from time-integrated LIBS spectra. Estimation of plasma temperatures and densities indicates that high temperature and low density can be achieved simultaneously in plasmas to improve LIBS resolutions.