Application of atomic absorption spectrometry to laser plume analysis

Abstract In order to investigate the formation and properties of the plume induced by Nd–YAG laser, the absorption spectra of the elements contained in pure aluminum, aluminum alloy such as aluminum, magnesium, zinc, silicon, and titanium were analyzed by using atomic absorption spectrometry. The results have indicated that the elements having low melting and atomizing points were detected at first followed by the atomization of other elements with increasing laser power. Further, a basic discussion on the influence of compression field caused by the reaction of plume vaporizing was also done.