Investigating laser ablated plume dynamics of carbon and aluminum targets

Mikhail Finko, Jonathan C. Crowhurst, Wesley J. Keller, Aric C. Rousso, Sonny S. Ly, David G. Weisz, Davide Curreli, Harry B. Radousky, Kim B. Knight

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Recently acquired high-resolution images of nanosecond laser ablation plumes suggest a strong correlation between the internal plume structure and the type of material being ablated. However, the details of this relation are currently not well understood. In this work, we attempt to explore this correlation using a 2D radiation hydrodynamics model to study the dependence of internal plume structure formation on the ablation material. Spatio-temporal emission maps and plume expansion velocities from experimental measurements are compared with the model predictions, including synthetic emission maps. The shape and expansion rate of an outer air plume region are found to be in good agreement for both carbon and aluminum, as are the inner material plume dynamics for carbon ablation. The largest disagreement is observed in the case of a polished aluminum target, where the chaotic inner plume features seen in the experimental images are not observed in the model. The possible physical mechanisms responsible for this discrepancy are discussed. This effort constitutes a continued development toward a predictive model of ablation plume dynamics and chemistry for various materials in extreme environments.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number0099167
JournalPhysics of Plasmas
Volume29
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2022
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Investigating laser ablated plume dynamics of carbon and aluminum targets'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this