Investigation of laser ablated metal and polymer plasmas in ambient gas using fast photography

We report the studies on interaction of laser ablated Teflon and aluminum plasmas in various ambient atmospheres. Intensified Charge Couple Device (ICCD) was used to image the laser ablated plume. The stratification of plasma at moderate laser intensities in the case of metal as well as polymer was observed. The possible cause of stratification is discussed. The reason for expansion and diffusion within the plasma and shock formation in the presence of ambient gas at different pressures is discussed based on hydrodynamic model.