Acoustic and optical emission during laser-induced plasma formation

Laser ablation is widely used in laser processing and analysis of materials. The laser beam evaporates and ionizes material, creating a plasma plume that expands to variable extent and morphology depending on both the sample and its surrounding gas properties. At ambient pressure a shock wave front appears, traveling at variable velocities which are related to the own plasma formation mechanism. Plasma images as well as the acoustic spectral content of the emission within the aural perception range are related to the plasma formation and evolution dynamics. These results are discussed on the basis of different plasma expansion mechanisms.