Dynamics of solvated electrons during femtosecond laser-induced plasma generation in water

TL;DR

This study investigates the behavior of solvated electrons during femtosecond laser-induced plasma formation in water, revealing prolonged electron lifetimes due to free electron interactions, which differ from previous observations.

Contribution

It provides new insights into solvated electron dynamics during femtosecond laser plasma generation, highlighting the role of free electrons in extending electron lifetimes.

Findings

Longer solvated electron lifetimes (500 ps to 1 ns) compared to previous studies.

Fast recombination via geminate process influenced by free electrons.

Abundant free electrons significantly affect solvated electron dynamics.

Abstract

We studied the dynamics of solvated electrons in the early stage of plasma generation in water induced with an intense femtosecond laser pulse. According to the decay kinetics of solvated electrons, fast recombination process of solvated electrons (geminate recombination) occurred with a more prolonged lifetime (500 ps to 1 ns) than that observed in previous pulse photolysis studies (10-100 ps). This unusually longer lifetime is attributed to additional production of solvated electrons due to abundant free electrons generated with the laser-induced plasma, implying significant influence of free electrons on the dynamics of solvated electrons.