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Measurement and Analysis of Atomic Hydrogen and Diatomic Molecular AlO, C2, CN, and TiO Spectra Following Laser-induced Optical Breakdown
Published on: February 14, 2014
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Filament-induced breakdown spectroscopy with structured beams
Optics Express
|December 31, 2020
Summary
Structured laser beams improve standoff material identification using filament-induced breakdown spectroscopy. Airy and Bessel-Gaussian beams create extended working zones, enhancing laser-solid coupling for remote sensing.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Optics
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Filament-induced ablation is promising for remote material identification using optical spectroscopy.
- Challenges include energy delivery issues due to multiple filamentation, ambient gas ionization, and atmospheric turbulence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of beam shaping for femtosecond filament-induced breakdown spectroscopy.
- To compare Gaussian and structured beams (Laguerre-Gaussian, Airy, Bessel-Gaussian) in the nonlinear regime.
Main Methods:
- Studied filament interaction with copper, zinc, and brass targets.
- Recorded axially-resolved broadband emission from filament-induced plasma.
- Assessed laser-solid coupling via excitation temperature and electron density.
Main Results:
- Gaussian and Laguerre-Gaussian beams showed similar ablation rates.
- Airy and Bessel-Gaussian beams demonstrated longitudinally extended working zones.
- Structured beams offer improved laser-solid coupling efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Beam shaping, particularly with Airy and Bessel-Gaussian beams, can mitigate adverse effects in filament-induced breakdown spectroscopy.
- Structuring ultrafast laser beams holds potential for standoff sensing applications.
