Temperature measurement in plasma torch generated by moderate laser irradiation of multicomponent polycrystal rock surface

Laser interaction with metal and multicomponent polycrystal targets has been studied for laser intensities ranging from 10¹¹ to 10¹² W cm⁻². The temperature inside the plasma, generated near the target surface, was measured with an x-ray filter method. The data obtained for aluminum and andesite targets agree within experimental error with the results calculated on the basis of Mora’s model of plasma expansion. (paper)