Emission spectroscopy of laser ablation plasma with time gating by acousto-optic modulator

The capability of acousto-optic modulator (AOM) to perform time-gated measurements for laser ablation plasma spectroscopy has been examined. Especially, we focused on the capability of the ''AOM gating'' to exclude the continuum and extremely broadened spectra usually observed immediately after the laser ablation. Final goal of the use of the AOM is to achieve considerable downsizing of the system for in situ and on-site analyses. In the present paper, it is shown that narrow and clear spectral lines can be obtained with the AOM gating even if the target is submerged in water. Also, application of this technique to the targets in air is demonstrated. It has been revealed that the AOM gating is fast enough to exclude the continuum and broadened lines, while effectively acquiring sufficiently narrow atomic lines lasting slightly longer than the continuum.