A fundamental understanding of the dependence of the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) signal strength on the complex focusing dynamics of femtosecond laser pulses on either side of the focus

Craig A. Zuhlke, John Bruce, Troy P. Anderson, Dennis R. Alexander, Christian G. Parigger

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

We correlate the focusing dynamics of 50 femtosecond (fs) laser radiation as it interacts with a silicon sample to laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) signal strength. Presented are concentric ring-shaped variations in the electric field in the prefocus region due to lens aberrations and nonsymmetry between the Pre focus and post-focus beam profile as a result of continuum 9eneration, occurring around the focus. Experimental results show different signal trends for both atmospheric and vacuum conditions, attributed to the existence of a continuum for the former. Lens aberrations effects on the LIBS signal strength are investigated Using a plano-convex spherical lens and an aspherized achromatic lens. High-resolution scanning electron micrographs of the silicon surface after ablation, along with theoretical simulations, reveal the electric field patterns near the focus. The research results contribute to fundamental understanding of the basic physics of ultrashort, femtosecond laser radiation interacting with materials.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1021-1029
Number of pages9
JournalApplied Spectroscopy
Volume68
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2015

Keywords

  • Continuum
  • Femtosecond LIBS
  • FsLIBS
  • Interference
  • LIBS
  • Laser-induced break-down spectroscopy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Instrumentation
  • Spectroscopy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A fundamental understanding of the dependence of the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) signal strength on the complex focusing dynamics of femtosecond laser pulses on either side of the focus'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this