Experimental and kinetic modeling study of the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy plume from metallic lead in argon

A kinetic model of the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) plume of lead in argon has been developed to gain an understanding of the physical and chemical factors controlling the LIBS signature. This model includes processes involving ion chemistry, excitation, ionization, and other processes affecting the concentrations of argon and lead atoms (in 9 different electronic states) and their ions. A total of 15 chemical species and 90 reactions are included in the model. Experimental measurements of the temporal dependence of a number of lead emission lines in the LIBS plume of metallic lead have been made in argon and air. The modeling results are compared with these observations and with previous modeling of LIBS of lead in air.