Spectroscopic studies of plasma during cw laser materials interaction

Abstract

The role of plasma during cw laser materials interaction was studied using emission spectroscopy. The experiments were carried out in two stages: first, with a pure argon plasma; and second, with an aluminum target in an argon atmosphere. The electron-temperature distribution and electron density were determined. The experimental results were used to estimate laser attenuation and refraction as the beam propagated through the plasma column. Thus, transmitted energy and energy distribution on the target surface were determined. This was expected to be a more realistic input for transport phenomena models based on absorbed energy.