Target properties - Plasma dynamics relationship in laser ablation of metals: Common trends for fs, ps and ns irradiation regimes

Better understanding of complex relationships between laser-produced plasma dynamics and ablation target material properties is key for optimization of numerous technological and analytical applications. Continuing a previous work [Irimiciuc a al., Appl. Surf. Sci. 417 (2017) 108-118] which proposed empirical laws for some of these relationships (in femtosecond irradiation regime), we present here a systematic study on several metallic targets (Al, Cu, Mn, Ni, Ti, Zn) irradiated by nanosecond, picosecond and femtosecond laser pulses. The experimental approach is based on complementary diagnostics, with the implementation of both electrical and optical techniques for transient plasma characterization. The empirical equations previously reported for femtosecond ablation pulses are now extended to the picosecond and nanosecond regimes.