Filament-induced breakdown spectroscopy of solids through highly scattering media
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)
- University of Florida, Gainesville, FL (United States)
Ultrafast laser pulse filamentation in the air can be used for remote sensing by exciting a characteristic optical emission, which is usually referred to as filamentation-induced breakdown spectroscopy. In environments that impede light propagation, such as fog, haze, or clouds, scattering makes it challenging to propagate laser beams and retrieve generated optical signatures. We demonstrate the effectiveness of laser filamentation for simultaneously clearing the path for intense femtosecond pulse propagation in a highly scattering medium, generation of luminous plasma on a solid target, and counter-propagation of a characteristic spectroscopic signal over a cleared channel along the filament path. In a dense cloud, the counter-propagating signal predominantly transits the cleared on-axis path but is highly affected by the negative thermal lensing of a Gaussian beam. Furthermore, these insights enhance our understanding of laser filamentation in atmospheric sensing and could substantially improve remote detection capabilities in poor visibility conditions.
- Research Organization:
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
- Grant/Contract Number:
- NA0003920
- OSTI ID:
- 2475343
- Alternate ID(s):
- OSTI ID: 2438118
- Journal Information:
- Optics Letters, Journal Name: Optics Letters Journal Issue: 17 Vol. 49; ISSN 0146-9592
- Publisher:
- Optical Society of America (OSA)Copyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English