Optical diagnostics of the laser-target and laser-plume interaction in pulsed laser ablation

Optical measurements have been performed on pulsed laser ablation of ceramic (YBCO and PZT) and metal (Al and Ti) targets at a pulsed laser fluence in the range of 0.06-3.6 J cm(-2). Time resolved target reflectivity measurements demonstrate the formation of a plasma layer able to absorb the laser radiation above the target surface. Plume optical emission measurements, collected both from the parallel and the normal directions to the plume expansion axis, enable an evaluation of the plasma temperature and density as a function of the time after the arrival of the laser pulse.