Spectroscopic estimation of plasma parameters, in the 100-400 ns stage, of a laser-induced plasma in vacuum

This work is focused on the interpretation of the emission spectra in laser-induced plasma observed in the phase at 100-400 ns from after the laser pulse, when the discrete emission lines prevail on the continuum emission, can be important to retrieve the initial stage of expansion. A Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser has been used for the ablation of a lead sample in vacuum. The observed line profiles, corresponding to different species of lead, were analyzed in terms of delay time. Measurements of parameters of the produced plasmas are performed. The results obtained corroborate the importance of considering nonequilibrium effects in the initial stage of plasma expansion. Also, Stark width for two spectral lines of triply ionized lead is given