Carbon emissions following 1.064 μm laser ablation of graphite and organic samples in ambient air

Laser ablation of graphite and organic samples is studied in the context of chemical analysis by laser-induced plasma spectroscopy. Ablation is performed using an Nd:YAG laser at 1.064 mu m in ambient air at atmospheric pressure. Following ablation of graphite, we find results consistent with C-2 (as well as C) being released directly from the target, and CN being formed later on by the interaction of C-2 with atmospheric nitrogen (N-2). In the case of organic compounds, we find a clear relationship between C(2)emission from the plasma and the presence of aromatic rings (containing carbon-carbon double bonds) in the compounds.