Observation of middle-sized metal clusters in femtosecond laser ablation plasmas through nonlinear optics.

ABSTRACT

Femtosecond laser ablation of solids is known to produce ejection of material to a large extent composed of particles of nanometer dimensions for a broad variety of targets. This work explores the ultrashort laser ablation of metal targets (Ag, Cu, Al, Mn) through non-conventional diagnostics based on the nonlinear response of the transient medium created upon ablation. The full temporal mapping of the nonlinear response constitutes a useful flag that signals the abundance of clusters and nanoparticles in the plume. The use of this method for diagnosis has allowed us to perform direct observation of middle-sized aggregates that are extremely elusive with other techniques. Additionally, one crucial and seldom explored parameter in this context has been identified the ablation laser spot size. Optimum conditions for overall nanoparticle generation as well as relative nanoparticle/cluster/atom ratios have been found.