Measurement of atomic fine structure collision transfer cross sections in laser produced vapours

An experimental method is presented which allows the measurement of collision transfer cross sections of atoms almost independent of the volatility of the elements. Laser ablation from solids into a gas atmosphere and laser induced fluorescence in the laser produced vapour cloud is used. The method is demonstrated by the laser atomization of a low alloy steel matrix and by the measurement of fine structure collision transfer cross sections by argon in silicon and chromium which are trace elements in iron.