Laser-induced plasma temperature

It is of great importance to explore the evolution of laser-induced plasma (LIP) properties, especially plasma temperature, with regard to variations of experiment conditions in both theoretical study and routine applications. By investigating the influence of various factors on plasma temperature, one can gain knowledge about the processes in plasma and adjust experimental conditions to obtain optimum analytical performance. the fundamental theories and calculation methods of LIP temperature via spectroscopic approaches are briefly reviewed. Its temporal and spatial evolutions together with several influencing factors are discussed, such as laser parameters, ambient surrounding, and physical & chemical properties of the sample. The results summarized exhibit the general trend that LIP temperature increases with increasing laser wavelength, pulse width, laser energy, background gas pressure, and sample hardness. On the other hand, it decreases with time elapsing and distance from sample surface. Moreover, plasma temperature generated in argon surrounding is higher than that in other gas species, and the rank of temperature values generated from different samples exhibits a general tendency of Cu > Fe > Ni ≈ Al ≈ glass ≈ rock. Additionally, LIP temperature tends to increase as lens focal point approaches sample surface, and the plasma confinement effect in sample cavity is significant in altering plasma temperature. Various explanations are given to interpret these temperature behaviors.