Range extension in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy using femtosecond–nanosecond dual-beam laser system

We extend the detection range of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy by combining high-intensity femtosecond laser pulses with high-energy nanosecond CO₂ laser pulses. The femtosecond laser pulses ionize the molecules and generate filament in air. The free electrons generated in the self-confined plasma channel by the femtosecond laser serve as the seed electrons which cause efficient avalanche ionization in the nanosecond CO₂ laser field. We show that the detection distance has been extended by three times with the assistance of femtosecond laser filamentation.