SPECTROSCOPY AS IN-SITU DIAGNOSTICS FOR PULSED-LASER DEPOSITION OF SUPERCONDUCTIVE AND FERROELECTRIC THIN-FILMS

We currently use optical spectroscopy as an in-situ diagnostic tool in the pulsed laser ablation and deposition of superconductive and ferro electric thin films. The emission from the ablated species is collecte d from both directions normal and parallel to the plume expansion axis . Space and time resolved measurements enable a quantitative evaluatio n of density and temperature of the plasma produced by the laser-plume interaction. This characterization of the plume in the early stages o f its expansion is important to understand the mechanisms responsible for the efficient laser-matter energy coupling typical of the pulsed l aser ablation and deposition process.