Imaging and spectroscopic analysis of channel spark electron beam ablation plumes

Summary form only given. Ablation of metals by a channel spark electron beam has been studied with several optical diagnostics. The channel spark is a high current (/spl sim/1500 A) low energy (<15-20 keV) electron beam source developed by KFK in Karlsruhe, Germany. The channel spark electron beam propagates in a low pressure (5-20 mTorr) background of Ar, providing ion focusing. The channel spark electron beam is intended as a pulsed energy source for material ablation and redeposition as a thin film. The metals studied in this work are Fe and Ti. Ablation dynamics have been studied via various photographic imaging diagnostics. Plume composition and ionization have been studied through optical emission spectroscopy. Ionization of the background gas has also been examined through these methods. In addition, current diagnostics have provided information on beam transport and correlation of beam properties with ablation dynamics.