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Dependence of Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Results on Pulse Energies and Timing Parameters Using Soil Simulants
Published on: September 23, 2013
Coherent control of laser-induced breakdown
M Y Shverdin1, S N Goda, G Y Yin
1Edward L. Ginzton Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA. mshverdin@gmail.com
Optics Letters
|April 28, 2006
Summary
We precisely control laser-induced optical breakdown in Argon (Ar) and Xenon (Xe) using shaped femtosecond laser pulses. This technique allows tuning the breakdown probability, spark timing, and shock wave evolution.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Laser Physics
Background:
- Laser-induced optical breakdown is a complex phenomenon.
- Controlling plasma formation with tailored laser pulses is an active research area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate coherent control over laser-induced optical breakdown in Argon and Xenon.
- To investigate the influence of shaped femtosecond laser pulses on plasma formation dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a femtosecond time-scale pulse train with seven optical sidebands spanning two octaves of bandwidth.
- Employed a genetic algorithm to optimize the relative phases of the optical sidebands.
- Investigated breakdown probability, spark onset time, spark position, and shock wave timing.
Main Results:
- Achieved enhancement and suppression of the optical breakdown probability.
- Demonstrated control over the onset time of the laser-induced spark.
- Showed partial control over the spark position and the timing of the laser-produced shock wave.
Conclusions:
- Coherent control of laser-induced optical breakdown is feasible using spectrally tailored femtosecond laser pulses.
- The phase control of optical sidebands offers a powerful tool to manipulate plasma formation and dynamics.
- This approach opens possibilities for precise control in laser-matter interactions.
