Issue
J. Phys. IV France
Volume 01, Number C7, Décembre 1991
2nd International Conference
Laser M2P
Page(s) C7-709 - C7-710
DOI https://doi.org/10.1051/jp4:19917192
2nd International Conference
Laser M2P

J. Phys. IV France 01 (1991) C7-709-C7-710

DOI: 10.1051/jp4:19917192

ROLE OF GAS, SAMPLE AND LASER BEAM PARAMETERS IN LASER GENERATION OF A LOW THRESHOLD BREAKDOWN PLASMA IN A GAS IN FRONT OF A SOLID TARGET

J. HERMANN1, C. BOULMER-LEBORGNE1, I.N. MIHAILESCU2 and B. DUBREUIL1

1  G.R.E.M.I., Université d'Orléans, BP. 6759, F-45067 Orléans cedex 2, France
2  Laser Department, Institute of Atomic Physics, Bucharest, Romania


Abstract
We studied the ignition process of the plasma which is created when a pulsed CO2 laser beam irradiates a (Ti) metal sample in presence of an ambient gas. It is pointed out that the first step is due to target surface micro-defect vaporization. Then thermal ionization of the metal vapour occurs producing electrons which are heated by the inverse bremsstrahlung process. Finally, we observe an erosion plasma (which is dominated by the metal vapour) or a gas breakdown plasma, depending on the laser intensity and on the ambient gas properties. This can be described by the energy balance of plasma electrons and by the evaluation of material thermal heating.



© EDP Sciences 1991