The spectra of N-2 plasma induced by a femtosecond pulsed laser are studied experimentally at sub-atmospheric pressure. The results show that the spectra of laser-induced plasmas for all sample pressures are composed of continuous spectra and line spectra. As the sample pressure is reduced the intensities of continuous spectra undergo the transition from slow increase to rapid decrease; on the other hand, the intensities of N+ spectra increase significantly with the decrease of pressure. The spectra of N++ species are observed when the pressure is lower than 0.3 atm. The behaviors of the femtosecond laser propagation and energy absorption in N-2 plasma at sub-atmospheric pressure are also given and the feature of the laser-induced plasma channel is briefly discussed. These results are helpful for better understanding the laser-induced plasma characteristics, especially provide the clue to the experimental measurement conditions for different charged species, which is useful for the future corresponding experimental research.

femtosecond laser pulses; pressure; plasma spectra; laser propagation

Harbin Institute of Technology