Effect of magnetic field on the laterally colliding plasma plumes

TL;DR

This study experimentally investigates how an external magnetic field influences the behavior of laser-produced colliding aluminium plasma plumes, revealing slowed axial expansion, altered emission characteristics, and increased electron temperature due to Joule heating.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the effects of magnetic fields on plasma plume dynamics and emission properties during laser ablation of aluminium.

Findings

Axial expansion is slowed by magnetic field.

No sharp interaction zone observed with magnetic field.

Higher electron temperature and ionic emission due to Joule heating.

Abstract

An experimental investigation of laser produced colliding plasma of aluminium target in the presence of external magnetic field in vacuum is done. Characteristic parameters and line emission of plasma plume in the presence of magnetic field are compared with those for field free case. Axial expansion of the plasma is slowed down in the presence of magnetic field as compared to the field free case. Contrary to the field free case no sharp interaction zone is observed. Higher electron temperature and increased ionic line emission from singly as well as doubly ionized aluminium can be attributed to the Joule heating phenomenon.