Time-Resolved Imaging and Spectral Study of Plume Evolution from Laser-Induced Damage of Fused Silica

During the process of UV laser-induced damage of fused silica, laser energy deposition results in material explosion, forming a plasma plume on the rear surface. The study of this plume can provide insights into the physical processes of laser-induced energy deposition and material evolution in the initial stages of damage, which is crucial for damage dynamics research. Moreover, spectral analysis of plasma spontaneous emission during laser-induced damage also serves as an effective method for studying the plume. In this paper, based on time-resolved imaging and time-resolved spectroscopy, the evolution of the plasma plume on the rear surface following laser-induced damage is experimentally investigated. Based on the findings, the whole process of the plume evolution is analyzed, and the response behaviors after material detonation, gasification, and ionization are revealed.