Particles formation in an expanding plasma

Interaction of a laser beam with a target generates a high velocity expanding plasma plume, solid debris and liquid nano- and microparticles. They are produced from plasma recombination and vapor condensation and can be deposited on optical elements located nearby the target. Two distinct kinds of particles were observed depending on the temperature achieved in the plasma plume: large micrometer-size fragments for temperatures lower than the critical temperature, and very small nanometer-size particles for higher temperatures. The paper presents experimental observations of fragments and nanoparticles in plasma plumes and a comparison with models.