Plasma spectroscopy of H, Li, and Na in plumes resulting from laser-induced droplet explosion.

The plasma emission resulting from laser-induced breakdown of large transparent H(2)O droplets (with and without NaCl or LiCl) has been spectrally and spatially resolved along a strip which encompasses the droplet and two plasma plumes associated with materials streaming from the droplet. From the emission line shapes, relative emission intensity ratios, and absorption line reversals, estimates can be made of the electron density, plasma temperature, and spatial inhomogeneity of the plasma along a strip in the direction of the laser beam. Use of the emission lines of H, Li, and Na as atomic tracers for plasma diagnostics is discussed.