We report an experimental characterization of the charged species produced
in excimer laser ablation of a borocarbide target by using time-of-flight m
ass spectrometry. The observed TOF distribution show a double peak structur
e. Avery interesting aspect of our experimental results is the observation
of an ion spatial distribution characterized by the presence of heavier ion
s in the plume center and the lighter ones at plume edges. (C) 2000 Elsevie
r Science B.V. All rights reserved.