Carbon emissions following 1.064 mu m laser ablation of graphite and organic samples in ambient air

Laser ablation of graphite and organic samples is studied in the context of chemical analysis by laser-induced plasma spectroscopy. Ablation is perfor med using an Nd:YAG laser at 1.064 mu m in ambient air at atmospheric press ure. Following ablation of graphite, we find results consistent with C-2 (a s well as C) being released directly from the target, and CN being formed l ater on by the interaction of C-2 with atmospheric nitrogen (N-2). In the c ase of organic compounds, we find a clear relationship between C(2)emission from the plasma and the presence of aromatic rings (containing carbon-carb on double bonds) in the compounds.