New laser technology unlocks deuterium release in aluminum layers

In a recent study, quadrupole mass spectrometry was used to measure the number of deuterium atoms in the aluminum layer.
A recent study led by the National Institute of Laser, Plasma, and Radiation Physics and Sasa Alexandra Yehia Alexe from the University of Bucharest explored the details of laser induced ablation and laser induced desorption techniques using a 1053 nm laser source. The study was published in the Journal of Spectroscopy Part B: Atomic Spectroscopy.

The focus of this study is on the formation of 1 on substrates with different surface characteristics using high-power pulsed magnetron sputtering technology μ M aluminum layer. The key aspect is the software controlled laser pulse energy operation, which can achieve a seamless transition from layer ablation to layer desorption.

The research team evaluated the amount of deuterium released at the end of the laser induction process using quadrupole mass spectrometry. They compared it with the results of thermal desorption spectroscopy, and the results showed that the analyzed sample contained approximately 2.6 ×  ten ²¹  D at/m ²  Deuterium. Mass spectrometry data shows that 85% and 9% are released through LIA and LID, respectively.

The research team can also determine the boundary between ablation and desorption processes by mathematically modeling the data. The analysis of the aluminum layer surface combined with the substrate surface provides important insights into the mechanism of controlling deuterium atom release through these laser-induced processes.

However, the biggest and most important conclusion is that the research team can confirm their findings. By using optical emission spectroscopy, the research team confirmed that the substrate interface had been reached during the LIA-QMS analysis.

From advancing our understanding of materials science to potentially revolutionizing energy applications, these newly launched laser technologies have the potential to manipulate the atomic structure within materials. This has opened up a path for further research and promoted innovation in energy production and material engineering. This study demonstrates the potential of laser technology in manipulating atomic behavior within materials.

Source: Laser Net