Entrainment and transport of laser ablated plumes for subsequent elemental analysis

Abstract

Entrainment and transport of ablated particulates have been investigated experimentally and by model calculation for a test material (Mo metal). The equations for predicting diffusive and gravitational loss of particles in a horizontal tube are presented and discussed. The major loss mechanism appears to be gravitational deposition of relatively large particles formed during ablation and possibly by coalescence within the transfer tube. Entrainment of ablation Mo by the cell and mass transport from the cell to the secondary source were determined to be approx. 90% and approx. 40% efficient, respectively.