Quantitative Absorption Spectroscopy Of Laser-Produced Plasmas

Absorption spectroscopy with a xenon flash lamp source has been used to probe laser-produced plasmas. Signatures from atomic, ionic, monoxide, monohydride, and mononitride species are demonstrated. The strong uranium monoxide band at 593.55 nm is shown in absorption and emission at high resolution. U I, U II, BeH, ZrN, and SiO absorption spectra are also reported. Challenges and critical issues with using broadband absorption in laser plasmas to determine ground state path-averaged number densities and temperatures are discussed.