Cell Biology JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

Investigation of Early Plasma Evolution Induced by Ultrashort Laser Pulses

Name: Investigation of Early Plasma Evolution Induced by Ultrashort Laser Pulses
Uploaded: 2026-06-17
Duration: 11 min 20 s
Description: Early plasma is generated owing to high intensity laser irradiation of target and the subsequent target material ionization. Its dynamics plays a ...

DOI: 10.3791/4033-v

What you'll learn

✓ Set up and align a pump-probe optical system for ultrashort laser experiments
✓ Synchronize pump and probe pulses to achieve high temporal resolution imaging
✓ Capture and interpret early plasma evolution with high spatial and temporal fidelity

Protocol

An experimental method to examine the early plasma evolution induced by ultrashort laser pulses is described. Using this method, high quality images of early plasma are obtained with high temporal and spatial resolutions. A novel integrated atomistic model is used to simulate and explain the mechanisms of early plasma.

Difficulty

advanced

Total time

~4–6 hours per sample (including alignment, synchronization, and measurement cycles)

Steps

Configure optical system and laser path

Assemble and align the pump-probe optical setup, including beam delivery, mirrors, and focusing optics. Ensure proper spatial overlap and beam quality before proceeding.

▶ 02:10

Synchronize pump and probe pulse timing

Establish temporal synchronization between pump and probe pulses using delay stages and electronic triggers. Verify synchronization accuracy to enable time-resolved imaging.

▶ 04:04

Prepare sample and mounting stage

Mount the target sample on the stage with proper alignment to the laser beam. Position imaging diagnostics (cameras, spectrometers) to capture plasma evolution.

▶ 05:23

Execute laser ablation and acquire data

Deliver ultrashort pump pulses to the sample and record probe images at defined time delays. Collect multiple shots to ensure data quality and reproducibility.

▶ 07:18

Analyze early plasma evolution results

Process acquired images and spectra to characterize plasma density, temperature, and expansion dynamics. Compare experimental results to atomistic simulations.

▶ 08:17

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