Double-pulse technique for optical emission spectroscopy of ablation plasmas of samples in liquids

Sharp atomic and ionic line spectra of excimer-laser-induced ablation plasmas of samples in liquids were observed. A new double-pulse technique employing quartz fibers facilitates spectral analysis of samples in liquids in which spectral lines normally are strongly broadened and quenched. The first pulse generates a cavitation bubble on the sample surface, which provides a gaseous environment for optical emission spectroscopy on the ablation plasma induced by a second pulse fired into the bubble.