Ion kinetic energy distributions in laser-induced plasma

Studies of ion emissions from laser-induced plasmas (LIPs) provide insights into the hydrodynamic expansion of the plume. Investigations of the kinetic energy distributions (KEDs) of ionized species for various experimental conditions are vital for a fundamental understanding of the formation and expansion dynamics of plasma. This knowledge, in turn, leads to promising improvements in LIP-based technological applications. rticle aims to review some of the dominating mechanisms concerning ion emission kinetics during laser-surface interactions from a basic point of view. The diagnostic methods for ion KEDs are roughly classified. Interesting features of ion KEDs and their angular distributions, as well as the dependence on laser beam properties, ambient surroundings, and target properties, are summarized.