Speaker
Description
Laser-produced plasmas (LPPs) are widely used as light sources for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and for nanoparticle generation. The optical emission properties of LPPs are strongly governed by early laser–plasma interaction dynamics. In this study, advanced laser beam shaping was employed to control plasma formation and emission during laser ablation of metallic and non-metallic targets. Doughnut-shaped beams and diffractive beam-splitting configurations were investigated to examine their influence on plasma–target coupling, plume evolution, and optical emission behavior. Experiments were conducted using short and ultrashort laser pulses over a range of ambient pressures. Time-resolved diagnostics were employed including fast gated optical emission spectroscopy, nanosecond imaging of plume expansion, and Langmuir probe measurements. By tailoring the spatial intensity distribution of the incident laser beam, plasma dynamics and emission efficiency were systematically modified, resulting in enhanced optical emission compared to conventional Gaussian beam irradiation. This study bridges advanced beam shaping and high-precision analytical spectroscopy, seeking to push LIBS sensitivity limits.