Acoustic detection of metal ablation resulting from excimer laser excitation.

Abstract

Acoustic and photoacoustic detection methods are being used for time-resolving metals ablated from and onto targets as a result of excimer laser excitation. These techniques offer an alternative to mass spectroscopic methods in that it is possible to detect all particles in real time, independently of their charge state. The ablation characteristics of copper and tungsten using 193- and 248-nm pulsed radiation are being investigated experimentally. The experimental arrangement and procedure are described, and the results are briefly discussed. Comparison with other work is made.