title: Generation of high-temperature and low-density plasmas for improved spectral resolutions in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.
abstract: Improved spectral resolutions were achieved in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) through generation of high-temperature and low-density plasmas. A first pulse from a KrF excimer laser was used to produce particles by perpendicularly irradiating targets in air. A second pulse from a 532 nm Nd:YAG laser was introduced parallel to the sample surface to reablate the particles. Optical scattering from the first-pulse plasmas was imaged to elucidate particle formation in the plasmas. Narrower line widths (full width at half maximums: FWHMs) and weaker self-absorption were observed from time-integrated LIBS spectra. Estimation of plasma temperatures and densities indicates that high temperature and low density can be achieved simultaneously in plasmas to improve LIBS resolutions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0511 USA.
authors.forename: X N
authors.initials: XN
authors.lastname: He
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: L B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.forename: Y F
authors.initials: YF
authors.lastname: Lu