Characterization and Applications of Laser-Produced Plasmas in Elemental Analysis and Tokamak Research: A Review

Hosam Hegazy

Abstract: This review article provides a comprehensive overview of laser-produced plasmas (LPPs) and their diverse applications, particularly focusing on Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and its relevance to elemental analysis and Tokamak research. It discusses the fundamental processes of laser-matter interaction, including plume formation, ablation mechanisms, and plasma generation, in detail. Key experimental parameters that influence LPP characteristics, such as laser fluence, pulse width, wavelength, and ambient gas conditions, are thoroughly examined. The article also delves into the spectroscopic characterization of LPPs, outlining methods for determining plasma temperature and electron density, as well as crucial criteria for ensuring local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) and optical thinness. Furthermore, the review highlights the analytical capabilities of LIBS for elemental analysis, discussing sensitivity, matrix effects, and advancements such as double-pulse LIBS. Finally, it explores the significant role of LPP in Tokamak diagnostics and the diagnosis of the plasma-facing components, emphasizing the use of laser blow-off (LBO) for atomic beam generation and the application of spectroscopic techniques for plasma parameter measurements in fusion devices.

Keywords: Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, LIBS, Laser-produced Plasma (LPP), Plasma Parameters Temperature and Density, Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES), Laser Blow-off (LBO), Plasma Facing Components (PFCs), Tokamak, Fusion