Evolution of a plasma formed by irradiation of a metal surface by XeCl laser radiation

The results of preliminary experiments and theoretical analyses of processes of interaction between excimer laser radiation of ~ 1 GW/cm² intensity and a metal surface are described. An investigation was made of the dynamics of formation, heating, and expansion of a plasma near the surface at atmospheric pressure. Spectroscopic measurements of the luminescence from the metal vapor were used to determine the pressure, temperature, and plasma density.