This book discusses the physics of plasma initiation and reviews the features of dissipating, propagating plasmas. It deals with advances in diagnostics for high-energy, laser-fusion plasmas. The book reviews the basic physical processes, plasma characteristics of the "continuous optical discharge".

Recent scientific and technical advances have made it possible to create matter in the laboratory under conditions relevant to astrophysical systems such as supernovae and black holes. These advances will also benefit inertial confinement fusion research and the nation's nuclear weapon's program. The report describes the major research facilities on which such high energy density conditions can be achieved and lists a number of key scientific questions about high energy density physics that can be addressed by this research. Several recommendations are presented that would facilitate the development of a comprehensive strategy for realizing these research opportunities.

This is the first comprehensive reference explaining the fundamentals of the LIBS phenomenon, its history and its fascinating applications across eighteen chapters written by recognized leaders in the field. This book will be of significant interest to researchers in chemical and materials analysis within academia and industry.

Proceedings of the 30th Course of the International School of Quantum Electronics on Atoms, Solids and Plasmas in Super-Intense Laser Fields, held 8-14 July, in Erice, Sicily

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, Second Edition, covers the basic principles and latest developments in instrumentation and applications of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). Written by active experts in the field, it serves as a useful resource for analytical chemists and spectroscopists, as well as graduate students and researchers engaged in the fields of combustion, environmental science, and planetary and space exploration. This fully revised second edition includes several new chapters on new LIBS techniques as well as several new applications, including flame and off-gas measurement, pharmaceutical samples, defense applications, carbon sequestration and site monitoring, handheld instruments, and more. LIBS has rapidly developed into a major analytical technology with the capability of detecting all chemical elements in a sample, of real- time response, and of close-contact or stand-off analysis of targets. It does not require any sample preparation, unlike conventional spectroscopic analytical techniques. Samples in the form of solids, liquids, gels, gases, plasmas, and biological materials (like teeth, leaves, or blood) can be studied with almost equal ease. This comprehensive reference introduces the topic to readers in a simple, direct, and accessible manner for easy comprehension and maximum utility. - Covers even more applications of LIBS beyond the first edition, including combustion, soil physics, environment, and life sciences - Includes new chapters on LIBS techniques that have emerged in the last several years, including Femtosecond LIBS and Molecular LIBS - Provides inspiration for future developments in this rapidly growing field in the concluding chapter

Bringing together scattered literature from a range of sources, Laser Spectroscopy and ItsApplications clearly elucidates the tools and concepts of this dynamic area, and providesextensive bibliographies for further study.Distinguished experts in their respective fields discuss resonance photoionization, laser absorption,laser-induced breakdown, photodissociation, Raman scattering, remote sensing,and laser-induced fluorescence. The book also incorporates an overview of the semiclassicaltheory of atomic and molecular spectra.Combining background at an intermediate level with an in-depth discussion of specifictechniques, Laser Spectroscopy and Its Applications is essential reading for laser and opticalscientists and engineers; analytical chemists; health physicists; researchers in optical,chemical, pharmaceutical, and metallurgical industries. It will also prove useful for upperlevelundergraduate and graduate students of laser spectroscopy and its applications, andin-house seminars and short courses offered by firms and professional societies.

When the output from a pulsed laser is forced onto a small spot of a sample, optically induced plasma, called laser-induced plasma (LIP) is formed at the surface. The plasma is formed when the laser power density exceeds the breakdown threshold value of the surface. The plasma can be used in sampling but is proposed as a source for atomic emission spectrometry (AES). In this case the technique is referred to as laser induced breakdown (emission) spectrometry (LIBS). The spectrally and temporally resolved detection and subsequent determination of the specific atomic emission reveals analytical information about the elemental composition of the sample, including solids, liquids and gases. This book is devoted to the analytical technique of laser-induced breakdown spectrometry. An introduction covering some basic principles of atomic emission spectrometry, analytical performance characteristics, and a comparison to more conventional techniques provides background information for the reader. The book is then conveniently divided into three parts: the first part described the instrumentation required and options available, the second part on fundamental studies of the laser plasma, and the third part on applications. Finally the future development of LIBS is presented.