Time-resolved absolute mass of yttrium laser-induced plasma

The absolute atomized mass of the neutral and first-ion reservoirs of a laser-induced yttrium plasma were measured with high resolution atomic-absorption spectroscopy mapping at various delays and under different noble and oxidizing cover gases. The maximum spatial extent of the plasma was inversely dependent on the molar mass of the cover gas. Time-resolved masses measured under oxidizing atmospheres showed continuous net loss from even the first measured delay (2 μs). Though their total masses were stable at early delays, plasmas under helium and argon atmospheres also showed net loss of atomized yttrium from an unknown mechanism beyond 4 μs. The measured total atomized masses during the early stable period under the noble atmospheres were approximately equal (∼30 ng) but higher than the masses measured under oxidizing atmospheres.