PLASMA-FORMATION DYNAMICS AND THE PRODUCTION OF LARGE-SCALE NEAR-SURFACE PLASMA FORMATIONS DURING 2-PULSE LASER ACTION ON VARIOUS MATERIALSIN AIR AT ATMOSPHERIC-PRESSURE

Optical spectroscopy has been used to study the dynamics of large-scal e plasma formations accompanying two-pulse laser action on aluminum an d glass-fiber laminate under identical conditions in air at atmospheri c pressure. The influence of the target material on the character of t he production of the near-surface plasma is displayed, along with the dynamics of the formation and propagation of a screening plasma format ion in air. (C) 1996 The Optical Society of America.