Focusing Effects on Laser-Induced Plasma Parameters: Applications to a Graphite Target Under Martian Atmospheric...

Area of Science:

• Plasma physics
• Spectroscopy
• Planetary science

Background:

• Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is vital for elemental analysis in diverse environments.
• Challenges exist in understanding LIBS plasma behavior concerning ambient pressure and laser parameters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To numerically model LIBS plasma interactions with graphite targets.
• To investigate the impact of focusing conditions and ambient pressure (3-1000 mbar) on plasma parameters.
• To provide insights relevant to Earth- and Mars-like atmospheric conditions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a three-temperature Eulerian radiation framework.
• Simulated nanosecond laser pulse interaction with graphite.
• Operated under non-local thermodynamic equilibrium conditions.
• Analyzed helium and carbon dioxide atmospheres.

Main Results:

• Increased ambient pressure significantly enhances electron and ion densities.
• Focusing conditions affect plasma temperature, fluid velocity, spatial distribution, and intensity.
• Observed variations in plasma parameters under different pressures and atmospheric compositions.

Conclusions:

• Findings are crucial for optimizing LIBS applications in planetary exploration.
• Improved quantitative analysis of LIBS data under varying atmospheric conditions is possible.
• The study enhances understanding of LIBS plasma dynamics for remote elemental analysis.