COMSATS University Islamabad

Department of Physics

Research Proposal of Undergraduate Final Year Project

Name of Student(s) Uzair Amin

Department Physics

Registration No.(s) FA16-BPH-015

Name of Research Supervisor Dr. Hamza Qayyum

Time-of-Flight detection of metal ions from laser

Title of Research Proposal
induced plasma.
Summary of Research Proposal (max. 200 words)
Laser induced plasmas (LIP) has attracted increasing amount of interest because of its
wide range of applications in various research fields, such as material growth and
processing that include the deposition of thin films, the synthesis of nano-particles and the
elemental analysis of multi-component materials. When a high intensity pulsed laser interact
with a solid it induces several physical process that lead to generation of highly energetic
ions and widespread emission of photons. To understand the underlying physical
phenomenon involved in generation of such high energy ions, it is important to completely
understand the formation and expansion dynamics of plasma plume.
Laser induced plasma (LIP) is transient in nature with characteristic parameters. It is
observed that plasma parameters are highly dependent on laser parameters such as pulse
energy, wavelength and pulse duration. In this project, we will experimentally study the
effects of different laser and target parameters on laser induced plasma from a metal target.
A nanosecond Nd:YAG laser will be used to ablate a metal target inside a vacuum chamber.
An ion collector will be used to record the energetic ions generated and accelerated during
plasma formation and expansion.
Outline of Research Proposal

 Required background knowledge

For this project we will require the basic background knowledge of laser, laser-
matter interactions and some basic knowledge on optical components.

 Field of Study
Laser matter interaction
Experimental laser induced plasma

 Research Methodology (theoretical, experimental, and/or computational steps)

Laser ablation of metal will be conducted using a pulsed nanosecond Nd:YAG
laser .The laser beam will be focused by a lens on the metal target placed inside a
vacuum chamber. The pressure inside the chamber will be kept at 10-5 torr. A
negatively biased ion collector will be used as a ToF measurement tool for the ions
ejected from the metal surface. The signal will be analysed for velocity, kinetic
energy distributons and charge state of the ions.
.
 Skills that will be required to complete project
Handling of nanosecond Nd:YAG laser
Setting up of a vacuum system
Setting of optical system

 Expected Outcome
Expecting that by changing some parameters; probe distance laser wavelength, laser
fluence and the probe angle, we will see a change in the properties of plasma.
Relevant Coursework Completed (including Grades)

Engineering optics PHY352 (B-)

Experiment in optics PHY308 (B+)

Tentative Timetable and/or Gantt Chart (optional):

Month/activity 1 2-3 4-5 6-7 8-12

Literature work

Experimental
work

Results
analysis

Thesis
compilation

Signature of Student:

Name: Uzair Amin Signature ___________

Date ___________

Recommendation of Research Supervisor

Name _________________________ Signature _____________ _________

Date ___________

Attachments:
1. Transcript of Grades (to-date)