Abstract

The plume visible where a high power laser strikes metals, ceramics, or other composite material (like a high T_c superconductor) is investigated spectroscopically. Signals from neutral and ionized atoms, molecules, and clusters are visible in the emission spectra which are recorded time and spatially resolved, to allow some inside view into the dynamics of the vaporization process and possibly optimize thin film production of exotic materials. The measurement is thought of as an additional tool to characterize clusters. For identification of cluster size distribution the beam is deposited on a carbon film for electron microscopy measurement.

© 1989 Optical Society of America