Optical diagnostics of laser-produced plasmas

Abstract

Laser-produced plasmas (LPP) are important for fundamental research, industrial, and medical applications. Typical laser intensities used for producing these plasmas are low to moderate, and the plasma conditions change with both space and time, can be spatially inhomogeneous, and have various degrees of ionization states for the ionized material. Measuring these properties is key for understanding, tailoring, and optimizing the plasma conditions. This review provides an overview of optical diagnostic tools employed for the characterization of the LPPs and emphasizes techniques, associated assumptions, and challenges.