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1 “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi Faculty of Physics Alexandru COCEAN PHD THESIS SUMMARY Contributions to the study of laser induced physico - chemical phenomena in controlled atmosphere PhD supervisor Prof. PhD. Felicia IACOMI Iași 2019

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Page 1: “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi Faculty of ......Dan Gheorghe Dimitriu who, through their expertise, evaluation of the annual reports and the provision of documentation

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“Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi

Faculty of Physics

Alexandru COCEAN

PHD THESIS SUMMARY

Contributions to the study of laser induced

physico - chemical phenomena in controlled atmosphere

PhD supervisor

Prof. PhD. Felicia IACOMI

Iași ‐ 2019

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Universitatea ”Alexandru Ioan Cuza” din Iași,

Facultatea de Fizică

În atenția: ................................................................................................................. .....

Vă facem cunoscut că în ziua de 26 august 2019, orele 12:00, în Sala L1,

domnul Alexandru C. COCEAN va susține, în ședință publică, teza de doctorat

intitulată:

“Contributions to the study of laser induced physico - chemical phenomena

in controlled atmosphere”

în vederea obținerii titlului științific de Doctor în domeniul fundamental Științe Exacte,

domeniul Fizică.

Comisia de doctorat are următoarea componență:

Președinte:

Conf. univ. dr. Sebastian POPESCU Universitatea ”Alexandru Ioan Cuza” din Iași

Conducător științific:

Prof. univ. dr. Felicia-Dacia IACOMI Universitatea ”Alexandru Ioan Cuza” din Iași

Referenți:

Prof. univ. dr. Cristina STAN Universitatea Politehnica București

Prof. univ. dr. Shashi PAUL

De Montfort University, Leicester, UK

Conf. univ. dr. Silviu-Octavian GURLUI Universitatea ”Alexandru Ioan Cuza” din Iași

Vă invităm pe această cale să participați la ședința publică de susținere a tezei de

doctorat. Teza poate fi consultată la Biblioteca Facultății de Fizică.

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Acknowledgements

This thesis was developed under the supervision of Prof. PhD Felicia IACOMI

and under the guidance of the Doctoral Advisory Committee formed by Assoc. Prof.

Habil. PhD Silviu Octavian GURLUI, Prof. Habil. Dr. Liviu LEONTIE, Assoc. Prof.

PhD. Dan Gheorghe Dimitriu who, through their expertise, evaluation of the annual

reports and the provision of documentation resources, led to the improvement of this

study.

The experimental work and numerical simulation and modeling related to the

present work were carried out in Atmosphere Optics, Spectroscopy and Lasers

Laboratory (LOASL: http://spectroscopy.phys.uaic.ro) Faculty of Physics of

Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Romania, under the experimental and

theoretical scientific coordination of the head of laboratory, Assoc. Prof. PhD Silviu

Octavian GURLUI, who encouraged and supported my ideas, also contributing to their

improvement and finding solutions for my experimental work, including but not

limited to use of laser systems for pulsed laser deposition and LIBS, DARLIOES –

LIDAR system for atmospheric investigation and all devices and apparatus available

in the laboratory.

During all these years of study, I have had all the support of my family: my

parents, Cezar and Cristina Cocean, my paternal grandmother, Ortansa Cocean, my

sister Georgiana Cocean and my maternal grandparents, Aurel and Didina Biali, as

well as many others.

A real and competent support and advice came from MD. PhD. Daniel Alexa.

In my grandfather’s memory, Gheorghe Cocean, who encouraged me to

always climb the heights.

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Table of contents

Introduction 7

I Laser matter interaction. Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

(LIBS)

11

I.1 Fundamentals 11

I.2 Theoretical models: COMSOL simulation technics 12

II Modelling of LIBS in vacuum. Applications 20

II.1 Laser ablation. Experimental set-up 20

II.2 Pulsed Laser Deposition – PLD. Study in COMSOL of ablation

and deposition phenomena

23

II.2.1 Target Heating under Pulsed Laser Irradiation 24

II.2.2 Film Deposition model setup in COMSOL 28

II.3 Non-homogeneous target influencing physico - chemical thin

layer map dispersion, morphology and fluorescence properties

32

II.3.1 Pulsed Laser Deposition from Silver target with Iron and Nickel

impurities

33

II.3.2 COMSOL compiling for phase change during ablation of material

from the target

37

II.3.3 Chemical interaction of ablated material on the deposition

substrate

40

II.3.4 Physico – chemical behavior of nonhomogeneous material under

UV laser beam

42

III Modelling of LIBS in free atmosphere and non-homogeneous

materials

44

III. 1 Pulsed Laser Inducing Thermal Effects in limestone covered by an

impurity layer

44

III. 2 Damage threshold behavior of silver target unpurified with iron

and nickel

49

IV Study of physicochemical processes of the environmental

atmosphere by spectroscopic and numerical methods

54

IV.1 Optical instruments and techniques 54

IV.2 Study of some critical physicochemical phenomena in the

terrestrial atmosphere

55

V. General Conclusions 61

VI. Reference 66

VII List of publications 82

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Introduction

The fundamental mechanisms underlying the interaction of laser radiation

with matter are topics in continuous research. The complexities of the processes and

phenomena that occur in the context of the photon interaction with various material

have not yet been fully understood. However, the applications of the devices based on

coherent light began a long time after the construction of the first laser system. Thus,

if the first laser was built in 1960, laser spectroscopy immediately followed as Laser-

Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) in 1963 and Laser- Induced Fluoresnce

(LIF) in 1968 [Anabitarte et al, 2012; Kim et al, 2012; Tango (1968); Zare (2012)].

Spectroscopic analysis techniques (LIBS) have been added to the deposition of thin

layers based on laser ablation, namely Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) when, with the

same laser pulse resulted in material ablation, both producing thin films and spectral

analysis are accomplished.

The theoretical context in which the studies of this paper were conducted will

be presented in the two sections of the first chapter (I. Laser matter interaction. Laser

induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)) where laser interaction with the matter and

LIBS fundamentals are presented in a first section (I.1. Fundamentals), followed by a

general presentation of Finite Element Method (FEM) and COMSOL software basics

(I.2 Theoretical models: COMSOL simulation technics). The schematic installations

and principles, specific parameters and set-ups of laser system in PLD, LIBS and

LIDAR mode, as well as work with COMSOL, modeling and applications to assist the

laboratory experiments, will be subject for the next chapters.

Four main research topics have been subjects for studies of computing

models and simulations applied and confirmed within the experiments that are

presented in this thesis in the chapters from II to IV. In this regard, the chapter II of

the thesis (II. Modelling of LIBS in vacuum. Applications) presents in section II. 1.

Laser ablation. Experimental set-up the experimental installation for PLD, LIBS and

LIF from LOASL. The next two sections from chapter II refers to setting – up a

numerical model to complete the existing mathematically description in COMSOL of

heat transfer in solids process with the laser interaction with matter as the heating

ignition mode (II. 2 Pulsed Laser Deposition – PLD. Study in COMSOL of ablation

and deposition phenomena) followed by experimental work (II. 3 Non-homogeneous

target influencing physico - chemical thin layer map dispersion, morphology and

fluorescence properties) with pulsed laser deposition of thin layers from non-

homogeneous target of silver with iron and nickel impurities (II.3.1. Pulsed Laser

Deposition from Silver target with Iron and Nickel impurities), assisted by simulation

in COMSOL (II.3.2 COMSOL compiling for phase change during ablation of material

from the target) to explain different phenomena observed during PLD and based on

analysis of plasma dynamics and elemental mapping and morphology of both target

and thin deposited layer (analyzed in SE-EDX and AFM). In the section II.3.3

Chemical interaction of ablated material on the deposition substrate a study of

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interaction of the plasma of ablation with the citrate from the substrates (hemp fabric

and glass slab) is presented with the aim to find a method to produce silver citrate for

further applications in medicine and also in other fields for antibacterial and antifungal

purposes. The section II.3.4 Physico – chemical behavior of nonhomogeneous

materials under UV laser beam presents a study of a polyacrylic textile material dyed

with curcumin extracted from turmeric powder in aqueous alcoholic and non-alcoholic

solution using LIF methode.

Chapter III. Modelling of LIBS in free atmosphere and non-homogeneous

materials comprises two sections: III. 1 Pulsed Laser Inducing Thermal Effects in

limestone covered by an impurity layer which is a study that continues the modeling

and simulation work in COMSOL with regards to laser ablation, this time for

application in cleaning buildings and other civil and/or historical constructions

exposed to deposition of different particles from the atmosphere which contribute to

“aging” phenomena and III. 2 Damage threshold behavior of silver target unpurified

with iron and nickel that analysis both in a simulation in COMSOL and experimentally

the damage threshold of the thin layer of silver with iron and nickel impurities and

both experiments refer to ablation process conducted in free atmosphere. In chapter

IV.Study of physicochemical processes of the environmental atmosphere by

spectroscopic and numerical methods, dynamic of chemical compounds detected in

the atmosphere with DARLIOES-LIDAR installation from LOASL (installation

presented in section IV. Study of physicochemical processes of the environmental

atmosphere by spectroscopic and numerical methods) is reported and analyzed from

a physicochemical point of view and, simulating in COMSOL the conditions in the

atmosphere at the time when measurements were made, it is evidenced that water

dissociation during nighttime, detected with LIDAR system, is due to the artificial

streets lights (IV.2 Study of some critical physicochemical phenomena in the terrestrial

atmosphere). Chapter V. General Conclusions will underline the achievements

resulted from the studies presented and it will evidence the importance of numerical

simulation for the experimental work and the compatibility of the results received

during the two methods of study.

The quality of thin films and their functionality resulting from this requires the setting

of working parameters by varying them until the properties that are desired to be

obtained. This often means a considerable number of attempts / repetitions of the

experimental work and here the important role of the numerical simulations begins

[Bechtel, 1975; Franklin et al, 2004; Gurlui et al, 2006; Stafe et al, 2008; Gurlui et al,

2008, Pop et al, 2001; Dascalu et al, 2013; Cocean et al, U.P.B. Sci. Bull., 2017; A.

Cocean et al, Appl. Surf. Sci., 2017, Cocean et al, May 2019].

The mathematical model to be presented in this paper applies to the Heat

Transfer in Solids module of COMSOL Multiphysics, completing its equations and

functions, and establishing the conditions of the studied physical process, while

allowing its further development and expansion, anticipating other possibilities for

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use. The two-dimensional models previously purposed in literature for laser

interaction with matter in COMSOL [Poulain et al, 2010; Rühl et al, 2012; Rogers et

al, 2007; Beltramo et al, 2009] are limited only to symmetrical geometry while the 3

D geometry and improved mathematical models that we reported later [Cocean et al,

U.P.B. Sci. Bull., 2017; A. Cocean et al, Appl. Surf. Sci., 2017; A. Cocean et al, 2018]

and which is also developed in this thesis, allows a better and more flexible simulation

method with more possibilities of application to a variety of materials and structures.

The model is complex and requires consistent computing resources, but this is where

the role of the mesh in the Finite Element Analysis comes in the picture, optimizing

the system for reducing the calculation to the essential and of interest regions. This is

the advantage to working with the Finite Element Method. In the simulation, multiple

parameters can be varied until the optimum matrix is found, but also when physical

parameters values cannot be directly measured, the simulation can calculate those –

such as temperature during pulse irradiation but also its evolution in time of pulse

width duration (ns) [Cocean et al, U.P.B. Sci. Bull., 2017].

On the quality of thin silver layers, previous published studies have been

performed with regards to their smoothness and consistence, characteristics that are

also of interest for the laser mirrors. Research on PLD of thin silver layers and

compounds has led to conclusions regarding morphology as well as their

characteristics important to those. In this regard, published studies present conditions

of 10-2 Torr pressure in deposition chamber and low energy for ablation as suitable

for a smooth layer reported as 0.36 nm roughness on a quartz substrate with 0.3 nm

roughness, using a buffer layer of Yttrium oxide [Kuznetsov et al, 2013]. Quality of

deposited layer is also connected to the number of pulses, when for a YAG:Nd laser

at 355 nm wavelength, a number of 15.000 pulses was necessary for obtaining a

consistent silver layer, while from 500 to 10.000, a discontinued film was formed,

rather an agglomeration of particles than a film, the particles sizes growing with the

number of pulses [Alonso et al, 2008]. A COMSOL simulation of layer deposition

confirmed the mathematics that governs the growth of a silver layer during PLD

[Cocean et al, U.P.B. Sci. Bull., 2017]. Other papers report changes in optical

properties between metal nanoparticles and bulk material [McFarland et al, 2003;

Cazzaniga et al, 2013].

Among optical changes, considerable alteration of refraction and extinction

index that take place when the incident photon resonates with the conduction band

electrons and it is known as LSPR – localized surface Plasmon resonance [McFarland

et al, 2003].

Plateau - Rayleigh instability [Saifi et al, 2017; Xuan et al, 2017; Hokmabad

et al, 2014], but also crown splash [Zhang et al, 2010] and Richter – Meshkov

instability are considered in the discussions on the droplets formation during thin

layers deposition by means of PLD method. Previous papers extended Plateau –

Rayleigh instability theory from liquids in dielectric elastomer films [Saifi et al, 2017],

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in solids as simple phase separation [Xuan et al, 2017], during reorganization of silicon

macro pores process [Garín et al, 2017] and with the work presented herein was found

experimental evidence that Plateau – Rayleigh instability is also induced by

perturbation produced during plasma expansion shortly after its laser ablation.

The model implemented in COMSOL is also aimed for laser application in

procedures in free atmosphere such as damage threshold of the metallic thin films and

procedures of cleaning the crust formed by deposition of different particles from the

atmosphere on buildings and other civil constructions and historical monuments

exposed [Cocean et al, Appl. Surf. Sci., 2017] when particle of pollutants form a crust

on the surface of buildings and other civil and historical constructions [Sabbioni, 1995;

Pouli et al, 2008; Pouli et al, 2012].

Air pollution episodes have been subject to research, an important number of

studies being focused on the sink and sources of the pollutants, their chemistry and

dynamic in the atmosphere [Schlager et al, 2012; Chameides et al, 1982; Smith et al,

2008; Zhao et al, 2014; X. Xia et al, 2015; Dubovik et al, 1998; Papayannis et al, 2014;

Ciuraru et al, 2011]. Therefore, a LIDAR detection in the atmosphere of Iasi city was

of interest and the role of simulation in COMSOL has become important to supplement

the explanation of phenomena such as water dissociation in nocturnal and humidity

conditions [Cocean et al, 2018]. The information has been completed after that, when

rain waters were studied and compounds with the groups detected with DARLIOES

LIDAR in the atmosphere have been found in the water collected during rainfalls

[Cocean et al, April 2019]

Within the thesis chapter that will follow, a contribution to the study by

means of numerical simulation of laser interaction with matter will be presented and

the results that complete the experimental work in a manner that is aimed to lead to a

better understanding of the phenomena and also to anticipate optimum parameters and

conditions, as well as damage threshold for application of the LIBS method in

laboratory but also in other processes and practical procedures that can also involve

chemical processes and the model for simulation of laser interaction with matter is

aimed to address that as well.

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I. Laser matter interaction. Laser induced breakdown

spectroscopy (LIBS)

I.1 Fundamentals

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is based on the atomic

emission spectroscopy where the electrons from lower level are excited by laser

irradiation to a higher level of energy. The electrons return to their fundamental state

thus reemitting photons. A spectrum can be made and analyzed. LIBS as the name

suggests uses a laser for the excitation and breakdown [Kim et al, 2012]. Emission of

the atom depends highly on the environment conditions. In not to dense plasma the

shape and line of the spectra changes due to temperature. In high density plasmas Stark

effect broadens and changes the shape of the spectral lines. This effect happens due to

the electric fields made by fast electrons and slower ions which split and shift the

energy levels that change the shape and intensity. The intensity, shape and continuous

spectra are used in determining the plasma parameters, electron temperature, pressure,

and electron density [Cremers et al, 2006; J. P. Singh, 2007]. These parameters are

necessary for quantitative analysis because they are important in LTE conditions for

calibration for the set-up. Laser induced plasma has three stages in its lifetime:

The first stage is ignition. It depends on laser pulse characteristics. Ignition

includes bond breaking and plasma shielding depending the laser pulse, type and

duration.

The next phase of plasma lifetime is expansion and cooling. It is a crucial stage

for LIBS as it depends on the emission caused by cooling. After ignition the

plasma continues expanding and cooling, electron temperature and density

changes. Plasma cooling and expansion depends on the environment (state of the

sample, pressure, etc.), spot size, ablated mass, energy.

The last step in plasma life, condensation, is not interesting for LIBS. The ablated

material becomes cold and does emit any radiation. It is characterized by

particles which creates condensed vapor, liquid sample ejection, and solid sample

exfoliation [Anabitarte et al, 2012].

In the first stages of recombination in plasma life the spectra emitted is

continuum due to the recombination process and Bremsstrahlung effect. In the

recombination process electrons from a free state passes to the upper bound and then

the ion cascades to a fundamental level emitting photons. The Bremsstrahlung is

caused by electrons passing through an ion’s field slowing down also emitting

photons. In a femtosecond laser this radiation is in X-ray. The continuum radiation

hides the emission spectrum that interests us. However it doesn’t last for the entire

period of the recombination process. It depends on temperature and plasma density.

And in the initial stages of plasma generation especially the ignition stage plasma

density and temperature are too high therefore a delay is necessary. For a femtosecond

laser the delay should be higher than 1 nanosecond, as the continuum emission was

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noticed to be this long [Cremers et al, 2006; Singh, 2007; Angel et al, 2001]. For

nanosecond lasers the delay should be 1 microsecond and for molecules should be later

[Cremers et al, 2006; Singh, 2007; Angel et al, 2001]. The parameters shown above

are optimal for acquiring ion emission lines. The parameters depend on sample,

environment and experimental conditions. It is better to take measurements in the in

initial stages of the plasma despite the continuum emission. The parameters shown

above serve as a starting point for each kind of laser [Castle et al, 1998].

The laser ablation plasma dynamics are mainly influenced by the

characteristics of incident laser radiation (fluency, wavelength, repetition rate,

duration of the laser pulse), the nature of the target, the pressure and the nature of the

gas and diagnosis methods will raise a lot of difficulty, Since lasers provide the ability

to accurately supply large amounts of energy in a reduced volume and in a short time,

the fundamental aspects of the ablation phenomenon, as well as the process of thin

layer deposition (PLD), are of particular practical importance [Gurlui et al, 2006,

Gurlui et al, 2008, Cocean et al, U.P.B. Sci. Bull., 2017, Cocean et al, May 2019].

The quality and thickness of thin layers deposited by the PLD technique

depend on a number of factors: laser radiation (laser pulse duration, repetitive

frequency, wavelength, fluence), type of target material, type of substrate on which

the thin film is deposited, the surface of the substrate, the temperature of the substrate,

the distance between the target and the substrate, the working gas pressure, the nature

of the working gas, the irradiation time, the speed of rotation of the target and the

support relative to the direction of laser radiation, as well as others) [Bulai et al, 2018;

Bulai et al, 2016; Dascalu et al, 2015; Cocean et al, Appl. Surf. Sci., 2017, Cocean et

al, U.P.B. Sci. Bull., 2017, Cocean et al, May 2019].

Laser ablation plasma containing the macroscopic particles (droplets) is the

main disadvantage of the PLD technique and can seriously damage both the quality of

the deposited thin layer and the morphology [J.P. Singh et al, 1998]. While particles

formed from the solid target tend to have an irregular shape, those formed in the liquid

phase and vapor phase tend to have a spherical shape. The droplet sizes depend on the

phase state and may have micrometric dimensions in the case of solid and liquid phases

reaching up to nanometric dimensions for droplets formed in the vapor phase. To

eliminate large droplet deposition, several techniques are used, taking into account the

geometry of the PLD configuration, the laser type, the properties of the materials and

the working gas. Generally, to reduce particle number density, the simplest technique

involves decreasing laser fluency.

I.2 Theoretical models: COMSOL simulation technics

The approach by numerical computation of the theoretical and experimental

studies leads to a better understanding and explanation of the physical phenomenon,

to a more elaborate data processing and even to the anticipation of the conditions for

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an experiment to lead to the expected results [Poulain et al, 2010; Rühl et al, 2012;

Rogers et al, 2007; Beltramo et al, 2009; Cocean et al, U.P.B. Sci. Bull., 2017;

Cocean et al, Appl. Surf. Sci., 2017; Cocean et al, 2018].

The study of physical processes by numerical simulation is carried out both

in the sense of assisting the experiment – with the purpose to reduce the number of

experimental attempts – and in completing or calculating values of parameters that

vary at a very high speed or are of short duration, or the environmental conditions and

existing devices do not allow their measurement [Cocean et al, Appl. Surf. Sci., 2017;

Cocean et al, 2018].

COMSOL Multiphysics is finite element software to analyze physical

processes and phenomena with large possibilities to add mathematical models and

geometry with the purpose to be applied in a large range of applications while

providing large possibilities to build various geometrical systems. In order to do that,

the software has a number of modules AC/DC, Acoustics, Chemical Species Transport,

Electrochemistry, Fluid Flow, Heat Transfer, Optics, Plasma, Radio Frequency,

Structural Mechanics, Semiconductor, Mathematics and each of these modules has

implemented the differencial formulae needed. For example the Heat Transfer in

Solids module has implemented the heat transfer equation and all its conditions and

boundarys that need to be selected properly, in accordance with the system studied.

COMSOL as a finite element method (FEM) software with the strong

advantage of flexibility and multiple possibilities to add mathematical models,

materials with their parameters, geometry, interconnect modules and other and other

ways to improve the proposed simulation. Its key fundaments are logical which makes

it an attractive method. The importance of understanding the basic concepts comes

from the fact that this concepts have hypothesis, simplifications and generalizations

that, if ignored, would result in grave errors in the modeling and finite element

analyses (FEA).

FEM Basic Concept

Finite Element Method (FEM) has been developed from the need to solve

differential problems and to address a variety of engineering and physics problems,

same as the Finite Difference Method (FDM). The first addressed problem in FEM

was stress analysis in 1960. The method was extended to heat transfer, fluid flow,

electromagnetism, mass transport, as well as others [Evan Mitsoulis et al, 1984].

Finite Element Method uses less complicated codes, but complex enough that

users do not write their own codes. That leaded to an important “industry” of

commercial codes compatible with various computing machines from microcomputers

to supercomputers. Most of the Finite Element Method codes are written in

FORTRAN but also in C programs. The method presents the advantage to solve

problems in an irregular/asymmetric geometry when non-homogeneous media can be

modeled as well as homogeneous ones. The main disadvantage consists in a

complicated formulation. [Evan Mitsoulis et al, 1984].

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The basic concept will be further explained based on the stress analysis that

can be extended and applied to different other fields named before.

In order to have an increased efficiency FEA uses a concept of a general

structure and a simpler one than usual. Usually in FEA by resistance structure it is

understood as beams, plates and solid volumes. For example the frame of a parallel

lathe, landing gear of a plane, the arm of a Libra, the housing of a nuclear reactor, the

hull of a submarine, a network of pipes, and so on. An example of structure defined in

the geometry of COMSOL (a finite element analyzer software) is presented in Figure

1.1.

Figure 1.1. Geometry in COMSOL (FEM software)

Mathematical model

In order to have an analysis with finite elements of a structure, the important

bit is the creation of a mathematical model of said structure.

FEM models approximate mathematical models of structures which are about

to be analyzed. For the passing from the real structure to its model there is no general

algorithm or general method to ensure a unique model, which approximates with a

pre-established error the structure that is being modeled. Generally, it is possible that

for a structure more models to be established, all of them correct but with different

performances. The mathematical models for the structural resistance are made based

on intuition, imagination, and previous experience of the one who makes the model.

Discretization

The mathematical model of a structure that is about to be analyzed through

the finite element, in general, is made up of lines, which are the axes to the bars of the

structure, from plane surfaces and curves, which are middle surfaces of the component

plates of the structure and volumes, which are massive bodies of the structure. Finite

element method usually defines the unknown variables (movement or stresses) in the

nodes and computes the variable values in those points. In this condition discretization

must be made so that a sufficient number of points are defined in the zone of interest,

the resting conditions and load conditions, to be satisfactory for the purpose of FEA.

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Discretization or mesh in COMSOL (a finite element analyze software) is presented

in Figure 1.2.

Figure 1.2. Discretization/Mesh in COMSOL (FEM software)

Node

The points defined by the discretization network are called nods. In nods the

primary nod variables are defined computed by FEA. The unknown variables

associated with nods can be movement in which the FEM is called a moving model,

or stresses, the FEM is called a equilibrium model. Mixt models are rarely used. For

the moving model a deformation of a structure because of a force applied is defined

by the movement of the nods compared to the network of nods before, every node can

have 6 maximum movement directions, named nodale movements, compared to global

reference: three components u, v, w linear displacement and three rotations jx, jy, jz.

Finite element

The discretization process divides the structure model in a random number of

fragments or elements just like a building being seen as being made of bricks. A

structure can be divided or discretized in a number of quadrilateral and triangular

elements, finite elements. These elements thigh together in common nodes, edges of

the quadrilaterals and triangles (there are elements that have nodes on the lines). A

finite element can be seen as a piece that only interacts with other elements in nodes.

Discretization in finite element is similar to a function and its linear approximation -

similitude with differential calculation (Figure 1.3).

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Figure 1.3. The function (blue line) and its linear approximation (the red lines)

The finite element can be classified by different criteria, the most important

being:

Type of analysis: On a discretization grid there can be defined elements that

have mathematics procedures intended for various analyses like: linear elastic,

nonlinear, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, electro-magnetism, high frequency electro-

magnetism, and so on.

Functional role: The finite elements used to modeling a structure must

ensure the functional role as best as possible, for example for a truss, the elements are

bars, a thin plate cover must be modeled out of plates, a foundation must be modeled

out of brick like elements, and so on. The elements used can be dot type (mass element

or arc element), line type (straight or curbed bars, in plane or in space), surface type

(plate elements plane or curbed, thin or thick, in plane or in space, axial symmetric

elements, membranes, and so on), volume type (spatial elements, -3D- for solid

structures, composites, with variable nods, for fluids, piezoelectric, magnetic, and so

on). Every element type listed above have several tens of types. They also have

elements with special functioning role, for example: contact rigid, friction rigid,

linking rigid, defined by the rigidity matrix, and so on.

Geometric shape. The finite elements have simple shapes generally as for

example a line, arc of a circle, triangle, and quadrilaterals. Also some geometric

characteristics can be constant or variable, like the section of beams or thickness of

plates [Roylanceet al, 2001; Hrabok et al, 1984; Pian et al, 1969; Barkanov, 2001].

Number of nodes. For some elements, a certain geometric shape, for

example a triangle, can have a number of ways involving number of nodes, because

except the nodes at the tips they can be added to the side of the triangle and also inside

it. Nodes can be added inside for results. Nods can be also variable in number - for

example on thick plates - and can be from 8 to 48 nods [Roylanceet al, 2001; Hrabok

et al, 1984; Pian et al, 1969; Barkanov, 2001].

Degrees of freedom. The nods of elements have attached to them a DOF of

which 6 are possible, so it can operate with the total number of DOF for an element,

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which is the number of nods multiplied with the DOF per element [Roylanceet al,

2001; Hrabok et al, 1984; Pian H.H. et al, 1969; Barkanov, 2001].

The interpolation polynomial degree. Each finite element has implemented

interpolation polynomials of a certain degree, starting from first degree. The more the

degree increases, the more the quantity of information increases for the element to

operate and the model is better [D. Roylanceet al, 2001; Hrabok M.M. et al, 1984; Pian

H.H. et al, 1969; E. Barkanov, 2001].

Material characteristics. In FEA the material of the finite element can be

homogenous and isotropic or whit a type of anisotropy. Also the elastic and physical

properties of the material can be dependent on temperature and strain. The mention

must be made that the description above for finite elements explains only certain

important aspects used in FEM. In conclusion it is noted that every finite element is

an ensemble of conditions and hypotheses and it should be seen as a whole and only

used as such, after the documentation linked to it is studied [Roylanceet al, 2001;

Hrabok et al, 1984; Pian et al, 1969; Barkanov, 2001].

For example from the parameters that define the element that show the strain,

the tension, its interactions with other elements, and so on, it results the behavior of

the body. FEM programs that are used in FEA have huge libraries with finite elements

to which new elements are added. To show the dynamics of development of FEM

article [Hrabok M.M. et al, 1984] is cited, in which from year 1984, 88 finite elements

for plates are found.

Efficiency of Finite Element Method

The model made for a structure for a FEA analysis must be precise and efficient.

The main conditions for a model to be efficient:

The model must have a reasonable amount of load;

Volume of information obtained by FEA to be large enough and an acceptable

error considering the purpose, destination of the information and the way they are

being used [Hrabok et al, 1984; Pian et al, 1969]. For satisfying those requirements

the user has at its disposal numerous ways and means, the most important being as

follows [Roylanceet al, 2001; Zienkiewick et al, 2000; Larson et al, 2010; Bathe,

2014; Nikishkov, 2004; Barkanov, 2001] :

Discretization configuration. It is convenient and rational that the

discretization mesh to be as simple and uniform. This is in contradiction with

efficiency and that’s why finer mesh will be added for the regions where the

important data and results will be collected, meaning the regions of interest

for the phenomena and processes subject to the simulation.

Number of nodes. It is better that a model has as many nodes because FEA

results are more precise and the volume of information is higher. The

requirement of making the mesh as fine with as many nodes as possible needs

to be analyzed critically, with a lot of deliberation and discerning because the

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unreasonable increase of the number doesn’t lead to a better solution. Usually

increasing the number of nodes is efficient for a model with a relative small

number of nodes. After a certain threshold is attained increasing the number

of nodes doesn’t improve the FEA solution. Concerning the number of

elements of the model this has a linear dependency depending on the number

of nodes, if the elements do not change.

Dimensions of the finite element. An alternative requirement to that of the

number of nodes is the dimension of elements the two aspects being closely

interconnected. For the structure subjected to FEA analysis depending on

configuration and purpose the minimum and maximum size of the finite

elements of the model. Of course this operation presumes that the elements

to be used are chosen and that the user knows very well their properties and

performances. The maximum dimensions will be established considering that

bigger elements estimate more poorly the geometry and stresses than smaller

elements, but those have the disadvantage that they become too numerous. In

conclusion intuitively a compromise solution needs to be found concerning

maximum and minimum elements and those for different regions of the

model. It is mentioned that for various procedures of automated discretization

implemented in FEM software have defined as parameters either number of

nodes, either maximum and minimum dimensions.

Automatic generation. In order that the generation of the model to be made

with minimum of work or that the procedure to be efficient FEM software

have a generated steering procedure of nodes and elements others than the

ones of automated discretization. After some the nodes and elements are

defined the user can use them as seeds to which he has a number of commands

with which he can generate new nodes and elements. The most used

commands for automated generation are:

- For nodes and elements:

o copying, repositioning, moving, pasting; operations that consist in

modifying the position of nodes and source elements using operations

of translation and rotation for obtaining the wanted nodes and

generated elements desired;

o symmetry from a point, a direction or a plane; nodes and elements are

generated symmetrical to a source;

o changing scale; consists of multiplication by a factor of the values of

coordinates of nodes and source elements.

- Only for elements:

o extrusion, slipping, copying, creeping; operations that lead to

covering of surfaces and filing of volumes with elements and nodes

generated

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Synthetizing the application of FEM for the modeling and simulation in COMSOL,

the steps are reviewed and schematically represented in Figure 1.3.

Figure 1.3. Schematic representation of FEM application in COMSOL

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II. Modelling of LIBS in vacuum. Applications

Numerical study of physical phenomena offer an important support for the

experimental work, reducing the number of trials, measurements and analysis,

focusing the experiment in an estimated range and also can anticipate or complete the

information regarding some parameters that cannot be directly measured during the

process. The software COMSOL Multiphysics provides with basic mathematical

models on modules as described in section I.2, graphic interfaces with the possibility

to develop the mathematical model adding analytic functions, parameters and

variables. The Material Library consists in a large database of constants and

parameters and their functions when those change based on an external parameter. The

database can be completed by adding new materials and their constants and

parameters.

In order to model LIBS in vacuum it is important to choose the right model

based on the phenomena induced by the process of interaction of matter with the laser

beam. As the process is the laser ablation that consists in heating and phase change of

the material from solid to liquid and to gas and plasma phases, the Heat Transfer in

Solids is the suitable model and for the deposition, when the fluid phases (liquid, gas

and plasma) coexist, Fluid Flow is the most appropriate module to simulate the

process. Geometry and mesh (discretization proper to the Finite Element Method) are

important and they will be described in the next sections. The variables formulae,

parameters, analytical functions, their connections with the existing mathematics and

boundary conditions added to the existing equations and conditions will complete the

model.

II. 1. Laser ablation. Experimental set-up

The experimental work was carried out on an installation for laser ablation

consisting of the laser system, the lens and mirrors system, the vacuum chamber

serviced by vacuum pumps, the spectrometer and the intensified CCD camera as seen

in Figure 2.1a-h and schematically represented in Figure 2.2.

This installation allows the fixation of a target from the ablate material placed

in the focal plane of a lens with a focal length of about 25 cm, the radiation being at

an angle of 45 degrees. The irradiation of the target is performed with a laser beam

comprising various spectral domains (UV, VIS, IR). The target is placed horizontally

and can move automatically, in three directions, by means of a computerized

micrometric system. The major advantage is that the action of a particular species can

be recorded at any distance at different times. The installation also has an upper

furnace on which special specimens can be used for thin layer coatings. Both the thin-

film substrate and the target can be isolated from the vacuum enclosure and electrically

polarized to provide thin layers of superior quality. The spatio-temporal evolution of

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charged species from plasma is further analyzed by Langmuir probes and space-time

resolved spectroscopy techniques.

Figure 2.1. Different images of the experimental set-up

The installation was configured and set up in the laboratory LOASL

(Atmosphere Optics, Spectroscopy and Lasers Laboratory) from Faculty of Physics of

the “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University. There are two laser systems at LOASL, both

Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet; Nd:Y3Al5O12) high power

lasers: a Brilliant EaZy laser system with ranges of 1064 nm, 532 nm wavelength, 330

mJ, 165 mJ energy and 5 ns pulse width and a YG981E/IR – 10 Hz laser system with

ranges of 1064 nm, 532 nm, 355 nm, 266 nm wavelength, 1600 mJ, 820 mJ, 490 mJ,

150 mJ, 330 mJ, 165 mJ energy and 10 ns pulse width and pulse repetition frequency

of 10 Hz. The laser used for the experiments in this work is the YG981E/IR – 10 Hz

(Figure 1a, c).

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The vacuum chamber (Figure 1 a-e) is a spherical vacuum enclosure and can

work both at low pressure and in free atmosphere. The vacuum from the depositing

chamber may achieve 10-8 Torr using two pumps system - dry rotary pump and turbo-

molecular pump.

Figure 2.2. Experimental set-up.

The spectral installation comprises a dual diffraction grating spectrometer

and a CCD intensifying chamber (Figure 1g) with an integration time of up to 2ns. In

this way, optical phenomena (temporal evolution of excited species) can be traced over

very small time intervals, ensuring a very good time resolution. The laser ablation

plasma plume was analyzed using lenses - spherical or cylindrical lenses - and an

original complex mechanical device that provides an optical space resolution of up to

0.2 mm on the axis of the laser ablation peak, by micrometric displacement of the

target along three directions.

Optical analysis was possible by using the same spectroscope in which one

of the diffraction networks was replaced by a mirror and the image of the plume was

projected onto the ICCD chamber aperture. The spectrometer can perform both spatio-

temporal plasma movement and elemental analysis (LIBS). For temporal analysis of

excited species (atoms and ions) in the 0.2 mm thick plasma section, two experiments

were imagined. Both experiments use the spectrometer and ICCD camera.

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The main drawback of rapid imaging technique is that it records only global

optical emission at a given time, i.e. individual information on excited species present

in plasma ablation laser cannot be obtained. The ICCD imaging technique is used in

addition to other optical and electrical diagnostics, such as space-time resolved optical

emission spectroscopy, laser-induced fluorescence, Langmuir probe, etc.

One of the advantages is that, depending on the experimental conditions, the

plume of laser ablation may even be optically highlighted as being structured in several

formations (optically excised particles) with different evolution rates [Nica et al,

2012].

II. 2. Pulsed Laser Deposition – PLD. Study in COMSOL of ablation and

deposition phenomena

Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) consists in two processes to be addressed in a

simulated study: ablation, vaporization and melting of the target material and transport

to the support and deposition. The theoretical approach in COMSOL involves using

Heat Transfer in Solids module in order to determine the heating of a silver slab

(target) and though different phases generate based on achieved temperatures, under

laser irradiation. Then the temperature is used to determine the deposition on an inert

material: silica glass or silicon. To model the laser ablation and vaporization, laser

parameters were taken into account: energy or fluence, pulse width, spot size and also

material characteristics and constants needed for the heat transfer calculation taken

either from COMSOL library or added from different specific sources. The second

model used was Free Molecular Flow module in order to simulate the deposition. The

model takes into account the average temperature on the silver slab surface, the

distance between target and support, the number of pulses, material parameters: silver

density, molecular mass and vapors pressure. The entire model constructs the

simulation for PLD deposition from laser ablation to the deposition of material.

Cylinder geometry in COMSOL was used for both target and deposition

substrate. The mesh system is the discretization of the geometry for the finite element

unit. There are several preset meshes, namely coarse (maximum element size and

minimum element size) extremely coarse (maximum element size 12.7 mm, minimum

element size 1.78 mm), extra coarse (maximum element size 7.62 mm, minimum

element size 1.37 mm), coarser (maximum element size 4.83 mm, minimum element

size 1.02 mm), coarse (maximum element size 3.81 mm, minimum size 0.711 mm),

normal (maximum element size 2.54 mm, minimum element size 0.457 mm), fine

(maximum element size 2.03 mm, minimum element size 0.254 mm), finer (maximum

element size 1.4 mm, minimum element size 0.102 mm), extra fine (maximum element

size 0.889 mm, minimum element size 0.0381), extremely fine (maximum element

size 0.508 mm, minimum element size 0.00508 mm).

The mesh in this simulation was made accordingly to the following setup: an

extremely fine mesh on the spot, a coarse mesh for the surface area and a normal mesh

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for the remaining geometry (Figure 2.3). The study used in simulation is time -

dependent. The domain is set automatically based on the geometry.

Figure 2.3. Finite Element Discretization (Mesh)

The results of the studied variables (either based on the equations that are

already implemented in COMSOL to describe the phenomenon, or declared in the

Variable section of each module) are presented as plots that are automatically

generated by the software or plots that are generated based on specific set-ups. To

generate a custom plot, few aspects need to be addressed: the parameter on which the

variable is being studied, the coordinates, the time and other specific conditions in

relation with the study.

The domains where data results are of interest need to be declared for

generating the plots. The software makes plots in accumulating domains which may

be points, lines and planes, named as “cut points”, “cut lines” and “cut planes”. They

can be either 2 D (except for cut planes) when they refer to a data selection from a

planar or 3 D when the data selection refers to a volumetric. In order to make graphs,

the cut point, cut lines and cut planes must be declared in terms of coordinates and

vectors. After they are declared, plots can be generated to easily see the results.

II.2.1. Target Heating under Pulsed Laser Irradiation

The model needs to be setup for heating under laser irradiation and that is

possible using the specific laser formulas to model laser pulse, irradiation time and

heat source in order to simulate the heating effect that is of interest when ablation is

studied. The geometry for the target is a cylinder 26 mm diameter, 13 mm height,

dimensions that can be changed either in the geometry mode or introducing as

parameters. Silver is selected from the software library of COMSOL, material for

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which the library has all the constants necessary for the simulation. However, the

parameters – such as thermal conductivity, heat capacity at constant pressure, density

- are temperature dependent and are calculated based on specific functions. COMSOL

provides the said functions only up to 1235 K for Silver (Silver melting point), with

the possibility to extrapolate when apply “nearest function” setting, and extrapolate to

a higher temperature the parameters calculation.

Starting from the heat - transfer equation (2.1), that COMSOL provides, in

Heat transfer in Solids module, a heat source, Q(W/m3), must be defined, which is the

laser irradiation in this specific study [Cocean, U.P.B. Sci. Bull., 2017].

𝜌(𝑇)𝐶𝑝(𝑇)𝛿𝑇

𝛿𝑡= ∇[Ҡ(𝑇)𝛻𝑇] + 𝑄 (2.1)

where ρ(T), CP(T) and Ҡ(T) are the material constants: density, the specific heat at

constant pressure and the thermal conductivity, as functions of temperature T.

The heat source Q needs to be mathematically formulated in accordance with

the laser irradiation and the specific phenomena and processes must be addressed. To

define it, variables and analytic functions must be defined.

The irradiant energy of the laser beam which is absorbed into the material

will transform into heat by interaction with matter and the thermal effect due

to laser irradiation will develop inside the material as deep as the absorption

coefficient allows, and that is the optical length: 𝛿(𝑚) = 1

𝛼 (𝑚−1) (2.2)

where α is the absorption coefficient and δ, the optical length.

For high enough energy, the heating will lead to phase change of the material

from solid to liquid, gas and plasma, resulting in ablation. The incident laser beam of

radius r (m), pulse width τ(s), and energy E(J) will develop during one pulse the power

𝑃0(𝑊) = 𝐸(𝐽)

𝜏(𝑠) (2.3)

and fluence

𝐹 (𝐽

𝑚2) = 𝐸(𝐽)

𝐴(𝑚2) (2.4)

where 𝐴 =1

2∙ 𝜋 ∙ 𝑟2 (2.5)

is the standardized area as per ISO 21254-2:2011 and ISO 21254-3:2011.

Thus, the heating source is a function of space coordinates and time,

𝑄 = 𝑄(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧, 𝑡) (2.6)

with the following component analytic functions:

a. The density of power on the target surface or incident laser beam

intensity,

𝐼0 (𝑊

𝑚2) = 𝑃0(𝑊)

𝐴 (𝑚2) (2.7)

in terms of physical phenomena represents the power for ablation

ignition, introduced in the Parameters section from Global Definitions

[Cocean et al, U.P.B. Sci. Bull, 2017];

b. Gaussian distribution in space,

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𝑔1(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑒−

(𝒙−𝒙𝟎)

𝟐∙𝒓𝟐

𝟐

−(𝒚−𝒚𝟎)

𝟐∙𝒓𝟐

𝟐

(2.8)

for circular laser spot with r the spot radius at FWHM (full width at half

maximum) and

𝑔1(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑒−

(𝒙−𝒙𝟎)

𝟐∙𝝈𝒙𝟐

𝟐

−(𝒚−𝒚𝟎)

𝟐

𝟐∙𝝈𝒚𝟐

(2.9)

for elliptical laser spot with σx and σy as laser standard deviation,

introduced as function an1 in Global Definitions/Functions/Analytic

[Cocean et al, U.P.B. Sci. Bull, 2017; G. Poulain et al, COMSOL

Conference 2010 Paris]; c. Gaussian distribution in time

𝑔2(𝑡) = 𝑒−𝟑.𝟓∙(𝒕−𝝉

𝝉)

𝟐

(2.10)

introduced as analytic function an2 in Global

Definitions/Functions/Analytic [Cocean et al, U.P.B. Sci. Bull, 2017],

with τ as pulse width;

d. Relative intensity of the laser beam through the material, along z-

coordinate, based on Beer – Lambert law, where the attenuation of

relative intensity is an expression of absorption coefficient and z-

coordinate, representing an exponential decay:

𝐼(𝑧) = 𝑒−𝛼(𝑇)∙|𝑧| (2.11)

introduced in Component/ Definitions/ Variables [Cocean et al, U.P.B.

Sci. Bull, 2017].

Because Heat Transfer in Solids module does not have the formula for laser

heating, the formula consists of the heat source per unit volume dependent on absorbed

laser power (Q). In the software it was introduced as a variable in Component/

Definitions/ Variables section [Cocean et al, U.P.B. Sci. Bull, 2017]:

𝑄(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧, 𝑡) = 𝐼0 ∙ (1 − 𝑅(𝑇)) ∙ 𝛼(𝑇) · 𝑎𝑛1 · 𝑎𝑛2 · 𝐼𝑧 (2.12)

where R(T) is the reflectivity coefficient and α(T) is the absorption coefficient of the

material used as target (the material in interaction with the laser beam). I0, Iz, an1 and

an2 are incident laser beam intensity, exponential decay of laser beam due to

absorption and analytic functions for Gaussian distribution of laser beam in space and

time as described before.

The reflectivity coefficient depends on wavelength (λ), refractive index (n)

and extinction coefficient (k) and it’s given by the formula:

𝑅(𝑇) =(𝑛(𝑇)−1)2+𝑘2(𝑇)

(𝑛(𝑇)+1)2+𝑘2(𝑇)

(2.13)

As for the absorption coefficient, it has the formula:

𝛼(𝑇) =4𝜋𝑘2(𝑇)

𝜆 (2.14)

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Reflectivity and absorption coefficients need to be introduced and defined

with the equations (2.13) and (2.14) in the Parameters section from Global Definitions

[Cocean et al, U.P.B. Sci. Bull., 2017].

Thus, the equation (2.12) accumulates all the mathematics in connection with

laser interaction with the matter, resulted in heat due to laser beam absorption.

Transcription of equation (2.12), with all its components detailed as per equations

(2.3), (2.5), (2.7), (2.8) or (2.9), together with (2.10), (2.11), (2.13), (2.14), will result

into equations (2.15) for circular laser spot and (2.16) for elliptical laser spot, as it

follows:

𝑄(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧, 𝑡) = 2

𝜋∙

𝐸

𝑟2𝜏∙ (1 −

(𝑛(𝑇)−1)2+𝑘2(𝑇)

(𝑛(𝑇)+1)2+𝑘2(𝑇)) ∙

4𝜋𝑘2(𝑇)

𝜆∙ 𝑒

−(𝒙−𝒙𝟎)

𝟐∙𝒓𝟐

𝟐

−(𝒚−𝒚𝟎)

𝟐∙𝒓𝟐

𝟐

𝑒−𝟑.𝟓∙(𝒕−𝝉

𝝉)

𝟐

∙ 𝑒−4𝜋𝑘2(𝑇)

𝜆∙|𝑧|

(2.15)

𝑄(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧, 𝑡) = 2

𝜋∙

𝐸

𝑟2𝜏∙ (1 −

(𝑛(𝑇)−1)2+𝑘2(𝑇)

(𝑛(𝑇)+1)2+𝑘2(𝑇)) ∙

4𝜋𝑘2(𝑇)

𝜆∙ 𝑒

−(𝒙−𝒙𝟎)

𝟐∙𝝈𝒙𝟐

𝟐

−(𝒚−𝒚𝟎)

𝟐

𝟐∙𝝈𝒚𝟐

𝑒−𝟑.𝟓∙(𝒕−𝝉

𝝉)

𝟐

∙ 𝑒−4𝜋𝑘2(𝑇)

𝜆∙|𝑧|

(2.16)

The formula (2.12) - same as (2.15), (2.16) - describes the heat generated by

direct effect of the laser irradiant energy that will be absorbed into the volume and

within nanoseconds the heat will be conducted by diffusion into the material as per the

heat-transfer equation (1), process that depends on the constants of material.

COMSOL materials library provides temperature dependent polynomial functions for

the material parameters up to a maximum temperature (e.g. 1235 K for Silver, material

that was used for the work presented in the herein thesis). However, pulsed laser

sources induce heating that develop very high temperatures (up to 104 K and more),

and for calculating the parameters for temperatures exceeding the maximum for which

the soft provides the characteristic functions, an extrapolation is used based on the

nearest function, selected in COMSOL. The latent heat was not used in this model,

but phase change is taken into account based on the temperature dependent variation

of material parameters, including plasma phase.

Ablation results in COMSOL simulation

Temperatures obtained in simulation are according to reality. The silver

vaporization point is 2435 K, the temperatures obtained in simulation was around 104

K. This shows the formation of plasma which is according to literature for laser

irradiation and temperatures [Gurlui et al, 2006].The simulation shows that there is a

vaporization in thickness as much as 10μm as per experimental data too [Stafe et al,

Rom. Rep. Phys., 2008].

To have a representation of the time - dependent graph, solutions need to be

calculated in each time. The number of data would have been too large for each

specific time so only 25 were used to store solutions. Consequently, the time step =

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τ/25, where τ is the pulse width was chosen mathematically. This provides 50 solutions

for two times pulse width (2τ) which is the end time for simulation. The solutions are

represented graphically below in Figure 2.6 a - c and they have a Gaussian shape for

the Temperature profile in time. As the ablation consists of the liquid, gas and plasma

phases, the plots in Figure 2.6 a-c are phase diagrams showing the evolution of phases

in time based on the melting point and boiling point which are 1234 K and 2435 K,

respectively for Silver as material used in this case.

Average temperature calculation is based on the formula:

𝑇𝐴𝑉 =1

2𝜏∫ 𝑇(𝑡)𝑑𝑡

2𝜏

0 (2.21)

where τ is the pulse width, T is the temperature in Kelvin and t is the time. The integral

represents the area under the Gaussian curve and the results are listed in Table 2.1 for

each of the laser energies. [Cocean, et al, U.P.B. Sci. Bull., 2017]

II.2.2. Film Deposition model setup in COMSOL

In order to simulate the deposition, Free Molecular Flow module in

COMSOL was used. The high temperatures achieved during ablation are enough to

vaporize silver and make the deposition possible. The energies used of 50 mJ, 100 mJ,

150 mJ are sufficient to have those temperatures, as evidenced in the simulation of

target heating under laser irradiation. Following the ablation, deposition takes place.

The ablated plume cools down after the initial expansion and formation of plasma into

vapors that deposit on the substrate by cooling down even further into solids [Pop et

al, 2001; Gurlui et al, 2006; Gurlui et al, 2008]. The simulation is a stochastic model

which is the best assumption for this case because the target is a monoatomic material

with the same molar mass for the ions, clusters, atoms generated during ablation.

The geometry consists of a cylinder with 26 mm diameter and 15 mm height,

as distance between target and support. The materials virtually added to the geometry

were silver for target (upper surface) and silica glass for the support that is placed on

the bottom of the cylinder from the setup geometry with the same diameter of 26 mm.

The mesh was selected extremely fine for the deposition surface and course for the

rest (Figure 2.4)

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Figure 2.4. Geometry and mesh for the model used in film deposition simulation

The deposition temperature taken into account is the average of the one

obtained by simulating the ablation (Table 2.1) and the support temperature is room

temperature (293.15 K). The important parameters used in module (model/simulation)

are the molar mass of silver, 0.108 kg/mol and the silver density, 10490 kg/m3

[Cocean, et al, U.P.B. Sci. Bull., 2017]

The formula describing the deposition is

𝑑ℎ𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑚

𝑑𝑡=

𝑀𝑛𝐺

𝑁𝐴𝜌𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑚

(2.22)

where hfilm is the film thickness, Mn molecular weight, G incident molecular flux, NA

Avogadro number, ρfilm silver density. The formula describes that the incoming flux

at the surface G [1/m2·s] is the number of molecules dN that intersect (cross) a unit of

surface in one direction during a unit of time [Dmitry Garanin, 2012, Gerd M.

Rosenblatt, 1976]. When integrating equation (2.22), a time linear dependence is

noticed for the thickness of the layer. The reservoir of particles is determined in this

case by the spot on the target where the laser brings the temperature up to silver

vaporization and ablation. The chamber pressure is considered 100 kPa [Rühlet al,

COMSOL Conference 2012 Milan] because of the silver vapors and because the

deposition took place in vacuum. Incident molecular flux, number density and pressure

are calculated by the module Free Molecular Flow where the formulae are

implemented.

Film Deposition Results in COMSOL

The simulation is similar to experimental values ones and is listed in Table 2.1.

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Table 2.1. Physical properties of PLD thin films obtained at different laser energies

Energy (mJ) Average Temperature (K) Thickness of the

deposited film (nm)

50 mJ 8102 K 2.17 nm

100 mJ 1.5·104 K 1.60 nm

150 mJ 2.364·104 K 1.27 nm

The thickness of the film varies with the laser energy. The deposited film

becomes thinner with increase of energy, in accordance with literature [Beltramo et al,

2009)]. The 3D plot in Figure 2.5 represents the deposited layer. The layer shows non-

uniformities. The film deposition starts after 18000 pulses as reported in literature

[Bechtel, 975], and as can all be seen in the plot [Cocean et al, U.P.B. Sci. Bull., 2017].

Figure 2.5. Film deposition process and thickness

Figure 2.6 a, b, c represent the plots where the film thickness deposition in time is

studied for the different energies used for the laser heating simulation. A linear shape

of the deposition growth with time, as per equation (2.22) is obtained.

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(a)

(b)

(c) Figure 2.6. The variation in time of film thickness in (x, y, z) = ( -0.5 mm, -0.05 mm, 0

mm) for different laser energies: (a) E= 50 mJ; (b) E = 100 mJ; (c) E = 150 mJ

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II.3. Non-homogeneous target influencing physico - chemical thin layer

map dispersion, morphology and fluorescence properties

Study of non-homogeneous targets in the Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD)

method for producing thin layers is of practical importance because in the everyday

work and industrial applications, materials of high purity are not only expensive, but

also difficult to acquire.

The disk shaped target of 20 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness (Figure 2.10)

was produced starting from silver jewelry by classical heating and mechanic

procedures and chemical thermal purifying in the presence of sodium tetra - borate

(Na2Bo4O7·10H2O) or sodium borohydride (NaBH4).

Figure 2.10. Silver target: (a) before irradiation; (b) after 9 PLD processes; (c) after

many PLD processes and exposure in the atmospheric air

Other chemical reactions of silver, such as combination with halides –

especially with fluor (AgF2), oxidation with potassium dichromate K₂Cr₂O₇ when

silver oxides result, the reaction of nitric acid when silver nitrate is formed (AgNO3),

are of low probability to occur in conditions of normal atmosphere. Yet, slow ion -

release oxidation of silver (Ag+) takes place in time. It is why silver is used as

antibacterial and antifungal in disinfection and preserving.

EDX analyze using Bruker AXS Microanalysis GmbH system shows a non -

homogenuoeous initial composition of the target in atomic percentage of 81.84 %

Silver, 17.40% Nickel, 0.76% iron on some area, 88.26 % Silver, 10.32 % Nickel, 0.44

on other area and even 100% Silver on some areas. EDX evidenced an important

change after ablation on irradiated zone when elemental composition in atomic

percentage became 64.56% Silver, 27.01% Nickel, 8.43% Iron on some region or

77.20 % Silver, 17.56 % Nickel, 5.20 % Iron on other analyzed region of the target.

The increase of Ni and Fe atoms on irradiated area of the target after ablation is the

result of different processes and phenomena during ablation such as re-deposition of

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33

the lighter elements (atomic mass, A, and atomic number, Z, of each component being

𝑁𝑖2858.69 where ANi = 58.69, 𝐹𝑒26

55.845 where AFe= 26 and 𝐴𝑔47108 where AAg = 108) that

may be due to their elastic collision with heavier atoms, ions and clusters, but also to

other perturbing phenomena including but not limited to electromagnetic field

influence on the charged particles (ions). The re-deposition on the target is also

evidenced in the SEM image in Figure 2.11.

Figure 2.11. Ablated zone of the target with re-deposition structures

II.3.1. Pulsed Laser Deposition from Silver target with Iron and Nickel impurities

For pulsed laser deposition (PLD) a laser system YG 981E/IR-10 was used

and the parameters of 532 nm wavelength (λ), 10 ns pulse width (τ) with pulse

repetition of 10 Hz (ν), 168 μm as average standard deviation (σx, σy) and incident

angle 450 (α). The pressure in the vacuum chamber was 3·10-2 Torr. A number of

experiments have been conducted at different energies and distances target – support

to observe the quality and topography of the films received and how these parameters

influence those. The films in discussion herein have been deposited on glass slab at

energies (E) of 100 mJ, 150 mJ and 180 mJ, respectively and distances of 2 cm, 3 cm

and 6 cm respectively. For gathering information on the topography of the layer,

analysis in SEM (Scanning Electronic Microscopy) and AFM (Atomic Force

Microscopy) have been performed. Three samples are in discussion regarding the

influence of energy on the silver film pulsed laser deposited. The first sample, A,

obtained by PLD using 180 mJ energy with target – support distance of 2 cm shows,

in SEM images (Figures 2.12 a - d), ring – shaped droplets on the surface of a

continuous layer. The size of the droplets varies from 0.50 μm or less to 2.95 μm.

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Figure 2.12. SEM images with the ring – shaped droplets formation at 180 mJ

laser energy during PLD (sample A) at different magnitudes: 500 x (a); 5kx (b);

10kx (c); and 3 D 10kx (d)

In Figure 2.13a - d, AFM images evidence the layer roughness, including

craters that are associated to the ring – shaped droplets formed on the film surface.

Figure 2.13. AFM image of the layer deposited with 180 mJ laser energy (sample A

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35

Actually, the literature reports that in experimental applications, it was

noticed that the deposition takes place at the beginning as discontinuous layer, and

only after more than 15000 pulses the continuous layer is achieved, noticing an

enhancement of nano-particles in diameter with the number of pulses [Bechtel, 1975]

also confirmed in numerical simulation in COMSOL where the required number of

pulses for a continuous layer was found to be as 18000 [Cocean et al, U.P.B. Sci. Bull.,

Series A, 2017].

The composition of the droplets that consists preponderantly of silver will be

explained further down. X-Ray diffraction analysis on the silver layer evidenced the

crystalline specific sharp peaks and Miller indices as (111), (200), (220) and (311), as

in literature [Jyoti et al, 2016; Bagherzade1 et al, 2017, Karthik et al, 2013, Hajakbari

et al, 2016 ], showing polycrystalline structure of the layer. The next sample, B, is a

silver layer obtained at a lower energy, 100 mJ and the substrate was placed at 3 cm

distance from the target.

Though the laser energy was not reduced to minimum for the experiment B, a change

in layer topography is expected in the direction of obtaining a smoother layer. An

improvement of the topography is noticed with SEM images (Figure 2.15). Less

droplets are formed when we compare SEM image for 500 x magnifying from Figure

2.12a with that from Figures 2.16, 2.17. This time, sample B, the droplets are pearl –

shaped with sizes between 0.52 μm and 2.72 μm comparable with those from sample

A. Another deposition, namely C, used 150 mJ energy and 6 cm distance target –

substrate. Ring – shaped droplets formation for this intermediate energy between the

energy used for sample A and the one used for B shows that the shape of the droplets

is influenced by the energy. The mitigation in number of droplets on the surface of

sample C may be in this case due to the increased distance between target and

substrate. The surface of the layer C is shown in the SEM images from Figure 2.16

Figure 2.15. SEM images with the pearl – shaped droplets formation at 100

mJ laser energy during PLD (sample B) at different magnitudes: 500 x (a); 5kx (b);

10kx (c)

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Figure 2.16. SEM images with the ring – shaped droplets formation at 150 mJ

laser energy during PLD (sample C) at different magnitudes: 200x (a); 500x (b);

1kx (c). The image is after the layer was irradiated for damage threshold

evaluation. On a side of the damaged area, ring-shaped droplets can be observed.

SEM images are for the sample C after it was laser irradiated for another experiment

where damage threshold was studied and that it will be presented in section III.2

Damage threshold behavior of silver target unpurified with iron and nickel.

Droplets that form on the film surface during PLD have been associated with

high laser fluences [Alonso et al, 2008], as also was noticed during the experiments

presented herein. Low fluences have been reported to favor smooth layers [Kuznetsov

et al, 2013]. The aim of the study presented herein is to formulate the mechanism and

processes during pulsed laser deposition of silver films that are responsible to produce

droplets.

J. H. Bechtel [Bechtel, 1975] reported that the silver layer deposited by PLD

method is discontinuous at the beginning and only after a number of pulses it becomes

a continuous layer. They notice that deposition is in fact generation of particulates or

nano-particles that accumulate on the substrate until they form the film. They also

noticed that the particulates grow in size with the laser fluence. During the experiments

conducted for the work presented herein, the same phenomenon was observed. The

ablated material behaves during deposition like it was sprayed and that leads to the

idea that Plateau – Rayleigh instability is applicable when, under a perturbation, the

fluid (plasma plume in this case, but also liquid state of ablated material) tends to

minimize its surface area due to surface tensions and to break –up into smaller,

spherical droplets.

This phenomenon explains the pearl – shaped droplets evidenced for sample

B. The ring – shaped droplets observed on the surface of sample A are the results of

another phenomena, namely crown – splash [Zhang et al, 2010] that describes two

phenomena: the break-up of the stream of fluid (plasma plume) in the atmosphere and

a second break –up, of the spherical droplets into small rings or crowns at the impact

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37

with the substrate, in a splash. The evidence of these two phenomena consists of

comparable sizes of the droplets from the surface of sample A (as rings) with the sizes

of the droplets from surface of sample B (as pearls). Also, for sample B, both shapes

of the droplets are evidenced – pearls and rings – that may be explained as result of

the intermediate energy (150 mJ which is between the energy of 180 mJ for producing

sample A and energy of 100 mJ used for producing sample B), but also to the higher

distance target – substrate (6 cm) that leads to attenuation of the splash effect.

Getting back to the Plateau – Rayleigh instability that is evidenced in the

droplets formation, the analysis of the phenomena should start from the phases that

co-exist in the ablated material, namely “plasma plume”. Pulse laser ablation is a

photothermal process where the incident laser beam heats the target surface following

a Gaussian function and then the heat is transferred on the surface and in volume based

on thermal diffusion [Cocean et al, U.P.B. Sci. Bull., Series A, 2017]. That means that

different temperatures are achieved during laser irradiation on the surface of the target,

temperatures that correspond to melting, evaporation and plasma formation. The liquid

phase is susceptible to Plateau – Rayleigh instability when a perturbation takes place

in the system [Seifi et al, 2017, Xuan et al, 2017, Vajdi Hokmabad et al, 2014]. Plateau

– Rayleigh instability could also occur on the gas phase more than during its travel

from target to the substrate partial or total condensation takes place and the same phase

transformation happens with plasma phase. However, the phase conditions for Plateau

– Rayleigh instability are fulfilled mostly in the target vicinity and substrate vicinity

where there is a significant quantity of liquid phase, resulting into redesposition on the

target in the form of droplets, on the one hand and droplets formation during deposition

on the target.

Regarding perturbing phenomena, that may be sourced in the electrical field

associated to the diffusion current caused by the charged carriers from the plasma of

ablation that moves towards the substrate. The diffusion current propagates through

the plasma media and arrives in the neighborhood of the substrate where is responsible

for the perturbation induced in the liquid phase resulted from plasma and gas phases

cooling, inducing Plateau - Rayleigh instability.

II.3.2 COMSOL compiling for phase change during ablation of material

from the target

For the simulation in COMSOL a geometry consisting of 3D squares was

chosen to construct the interaction between different component elements of the target

(Figure 21).

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Figure 2.21. Geometry and materials to simulate the elements found in the target

used in experiment

Mathematics and boundary conditions and mesh are as described in section

II.2.1 Target Heating under Pulsed Laser Irradiation, using the formulae (2.1), (2.16)

to model the heating due to laser irradiation, (2.19) for thermal insulation for the

exterior sides of the slab, less the top that receives the radiation and (2.20) for the top

of the slab but also the inside edges of each component modeling the heat flux. The

materials are selected from Materials Library and they are silver, nickel and iron

disposed like a layer on a slab entirely made of silver in an approximation of the non-

homogeneous composition of the target where silver is the main material and nickel

and iron are the impurities as evidenced in EDX analysis of the target. The thermal

effect is studied at different energies and for that purpose, a parametric sweep of 50

mJ, 100 mJ and 150 mJ is used. Plots based on 3D Cut Lines across diagonal D1 and

diagonal D2 (Figure 2.21) have been generated as phase change diagrams T(d) (Figure

2.22 a, b, c, d). Conditions of ablation are meat on an average distance of 1.23 mm –

1.55 mm, depending on the components in the ablated area

Figures 2.22 a, b, c, d and Figure 2.23 reflect the influence of non-

homogeneous composition of the irradiated material over the diffusion of the thermal

effect generated by its interaction with the laser beam when beside optical properties

of each component, i.e. absorbance and reflectivity, other effects and processes take

place, such as thermal equilibrium at contact regions of the components where heat

exchange occurs with thermal diffusion effects. [Cocean et al., 2017].

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Figure 2.22 Phase diagrams (temperature profile indicating various phase change

starting in the spot center): Silver on target surface (a); Silver ablated phases -

liquid, gas and plasma represented as patterned surfaces (b); Iron and Nickel

impurities on target surface (c); Iron and Nickel impurities ablated phases -

liquid, gas and plasma represented as patterned surfaces.

Figure 2.23. 2D Plots of target surface in the region where phase change and ablation

conditions are met: (a) during irradiation interaction with the material (τ = 10 ns) and

(b) after τ = 20 ns.

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II.3.3. Chemical interaction of ablated material on the deposition

substrate

The same target of silver with impurities of iron and silver was used in a

pulsed laser deposition on hemp fabric support - sample D, as well as on the same

quality of hemp fabric but previously soaked in saturated aqueous solution of citric

acid – sample E, and on a glass slab that was previously covered with supersaturated

aqueous solution of citric acid – sample F. Laser parameters were set to 87 mJ on a

spot of 336 μm, 10 ns pulse width, 10 Hz repetition rate, 532 nm wavelength, 45o

incident angle. The pressure in the deposition chamber was 3.5·10-2 Torr pressure and

the deposition time was 30 minutes (18·104 pulses). SEM images (500 x magnifying)

of the three samples of Silver film deposition are presented in Figure 2.23.

Figure 2.23. SEM images 500 x of the samples (a) Sample D (silver deposited on

hemp fabric), (b) Sample E (Silver deposited on hemp fabric previously soaked in

saturated aqueous solution of citric acid), (c) Sample F (Silver deposited on the glass

slab previously covered with supersaturated aqueous solution of citric acid).

The pictures in Figure 2.23 show the droplets of silver resulted during the

laser deposition as also presented in section II.3.1. Pulsed Laser Deposition from

Silver target with Iron and Nickel impurities.

The copper from the samples D and E elemental composition, same as carbon

are due to the hemp fabric.

However, the aim of these depositions with the related procedures is to study

if interaction of citric acid with the ablated silver in its final plasma stage before hitting

the support and under the conditions of vacuum chamber could lead to a chemical

reaction resulting in citrate formation. It is known that silver does not react with citric

acid unless one of the reactants is in ionic state (inorganic compounds of silver –

AgNO3 for instance – would enter into reaction with citric acid or sodium citrate would

enter in reaction with silver). Also silver does not react with cellulose in its metallic

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41

state. In order to react with cellulose, “silver seeds”, i.e. silver nitrate (AgNO3), and

reagents are required [Zeng et al, 2011]. Other methods utilized for producing silver

nanoparticles synthesis in ionic state for medical purposes are based on so called

“green synthesis” that is based on different biological organisms or extracts of those

in a photochemical or chemical process [Bera et al, 2013; Butch et al, 2013; Homan et

al, 2012; Zhang et al, 2014]. The aim of the research on producing compounds where

silver is in ionic state is for its proven benefits regarding its antibacterial and antifungal

properties. Researchers are also concerned about studies on possible application of

gold nanoparticles in cancer treatment where gold nanoparticles in ionic state are

supposedly the active form against cancer cells. In this respect, synthesis of gold

nanoparticles has been produced as gold citrate but also gold ionic bonded to polymers

like polyethylene imine [Mohan et al, 2013]. Starting from the fact that PLD technique

is based on laser ablation where different phases co-exist including plasma phase and

because plasma is a state of matter where ions, electrons, atoms and clusters exist at

the same time, named also as ionized gas, it means that silver ions should arrive on the

target surface and react with the citric acid. Therefore, in order to determine if the

reaction took place, powder of the deposited layers was collected by scraping it off the

surface of the samples and FTIR results are presented in Figure 2.24.

4000 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

Tra

nsm

itance (

%)

(cm-1)

AgFilm/Hemp (D)

AgFilm/CA/Hemp (E)

Sodium Citrate

AgFilm/CA/glass (F)

Citric Acid (CA)

Figure 2.24. Compared FTIR spectra of samples D (AgFilm/Hemp), E

(AgFilm/Hemp AcC), F(AgFilm/glass) and the sodium citrate and citric acid

The FTIR spectra (Figure 2.24) show the change of citric acid after silver thin

film deposition when silver citrate formation is noticed. For both types of hydroxyl

groups associated to carboxyl from citric acid (free 3500 cm-1 and H- bounded 3283

cm-1) it is evidenced that they are transformed into ionized groups COO- involved into

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ionic bonds with Ag+, indicated by the carbonyl bands from 1638 cm-1 and 1760 cm-1.

The bands from about 3500 cm-1 are the alcoholic groups for citric acid spectrum (CA),

but also in the sample of PLD films spectra for citrate when the peak becomes broader

due to Hydrogen bonding. It results that the silver ions from plasma of ablation that

still exist when arriving on the substrate surface enter into reaction with the citric acid

on the surface and may form trisilver citrate but also mono- and disilver citrate.

However, the physico – chemical process is more complex than just citric

reaction with silver plasma ions. Intermolecular H-bonds between hydroxyl groups of

citrate are indicated in the broad spectra from 3500 cm-1 for sample E. Furthermore,

the partially ionized oxygen from the carbonyl groups will enter into hydrogen bonds

with hydroxyl goups from other molecules, but also intramolecular, as the peak from

1638 cm-1 could indicate. H-bonding could also form between citrate and cellulose.

The spectrum for sample E (hemp impregnated with citric acid before

deposition) evidences the citrate formation. As for the silver deposited directly on

citric acid (sample F), the spectrum indicates that some of the citric acid has reacted

with silver plasma ions, while some still exists as citric acid or only part of the

carboxylic groups have been transformed into carboxylates.

Due to the environmental conditions in the vacuum chamber, a further

ionized structure of the silver citrate could form and such structures may interact

through ionic and H-bonding and form aggregates and complex structures, the most

evident being for the citrate formed on the glass slab. The very broad band between

3560 and 2598 cm-1 indicates that both carboxyl and carboxylate groups coexist,

meaning that part of the citric acid transformed into citrate and part remained as citric

acid. The broad band also indicates H-bonds, intermolecular ionic bonds and other

intermolecular interactions, such as Van Der Waals interactions.

Also, Van Der Waals interactions between ionized and/or partially ionized

atoms will occur in both films (E – film on hemp treated with citric acid and F – film

deposited on citric acid). Adsorption of silver atoms on carbonyl groups is also part of

the complex interactions in the thin film system.

As noticed analyzing FTIR spectrum for silver deposited by PLD technique

on the citric acid, not all the citric acid was transformed into citrate and that is because

of the quantity of citric acid in excess compared to the quantity of silver ions formed

in plasma. Based on that, a method to measure the quantity of ions of metals that arrive

on the substrate, and further a PLD method of “titration” could be developed to analyze

different intermediary compounds formed during plasma travel on the path from the

target to the substrate.

II.3.4. Physico – chemical behavior of nonhomogeneous material under

UV laser beam Fluorescent dyes in textile industry is of practical interest and polyacrylonitril

copolymers with fluorescent dyes had been tested [Grabchev and Bojinov, 2000]

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before the study presented with my co-authors [Popescu et al, 2019] when the

photostability of curcumin dye applied on acrylic fiber was tested. Two types of acrylic

material, Dralon L and Melana were used as support and curcumin extracted from

turmeric powder with water and alcohol was applied under microwave procedures

[Popescu et al, 2019].

The photostability was studied comparatively as response to UV radiation of

the initial substance - turmeric powder, curmeric extracted in aqueous solutions

without and with alcohol - alcohol increases the dissolution of turmeric and of the two

materials – Dralon L and Melana - dyed with turmeric.

The study was conducted with the installation presented in section II.1 Laser

ablation. Experimental set – up in Figures 2.1 – 2.2. The pulsed laser irradiation was

conducted in free atmosphere, and the laser beam parameters were 10 ns pulse width,

355 nm excitation wavelength 10 Hz repetition and 150 mJ energy. The emitting

wavelengths (500 – 700 nm) provide information as to the fluorophore from the

molecule of curcumin and its interaction with different solvents and other compounds

added to the solution of curcumin as well as treatments applied during the process.

[Popescu et al, 2019]. Other conditions referring to preparation of solution and dyeing

method influenced the fluorescence intensity as well. In this regard, it is noticed that

the intensity of the emission spectra proves to be influenced by the solvent used

(aqueous solution or in ethanol) for the solutions and the composition of the support

material for the fabrics dyed with curcumin. Also, the microwave exposure in time,

proves to enhance the fluorescence of the curcumin dye in the exhausted dyeing bath.

It is to understand that the increased excitation is more related to the curcumin

fluorophore and its exposure to the microwave cook than to the exposure to microwave

of the whole system resulted from interaction of polyacrilic fibers with the curcumin.

The study of fluorescence presented herein for the polyacrilic fibers covered

by curcumin with a dye-bath procedure under microwave exposure, offers information

about interaction mechanism between fiber and curcumin dyestuff, as being more a

“dissolution” into a nonpolar solvent (polyacrylic fibers) than an electrostatic

interaction between fiber and curcumin dyestuff due to the wide shift to blue of the

maximum peak of curcumin. [Popescu et al, 2019].

Laser induced fluorescence as spectroscopic method of analyze provides

information related not only to the fluorophore structure in the analyzed sample, but

also about other phenomena such as photochromism, interactions between the

constituents of the material and also chemical reactions and radical formation [Cocean

et al, May 2019]. Taking into account the high fluence of the laser beam (37 J/cm2),

thermal effect should be taken into consideration, and the shift to blue of the maximum

peak may also be a different heating effect influenced by the acrylic support and its

thermal conductivity and thermochromism could be considered as well. Also, the

optical properties change with the thickness of the irradiated material.

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III. Modelling of LIBS in free atmosphere and non-homogeneous

materials

If producing thin films and nanoparticles, as well as for spectroscopic

purposes for fundamental research of laser irradiation interaction with the matter,

requires controlled atmosphere as it was the case for the experiments and numerical

simulations described in section II, other applications and spectroscopic measurements

need to be conducted in free atmosphere. LIBS is a method with technical application

in industry, including operations used to determine the composition of natural deposits

during the aging process of some architectural and art objects, as well as their cleaning

by removing the material deposited as a crust on their surface. The study of the

removal of crust deposited on rocks, architectural and civil constructions, as well as

on statues, was accomplished by the numerical simulation method in the COMSOL

software, from the point of view of the physical interaction of the laser beam with the

material of the crust, to which was added the interpretation of the chemical processes

placed in the given temperature and humidity conditions.

III. 1. Pulsed Laser Inducing Thermal Effects in limestone covered by an

impurity layer

` Analysis on the rock was performed using LIBS – Laser-Induced Breakdown

Spectroscopy – with an Acton 2750i high resolution spectrometer (750 mm focal

length) coupled with the Roper Scientific PIMAX3 ICCD camera 1024x1024 pixels

with a minimum gate time of 2 ns was fitted with one mirror and two diffraction

gratings (600 l/mm, blaze at 300 nm, and 2400 l/mm, blaze at 240 nm) mounted on

the same three-position turret, which allowed an easy switching between imaging,

low-resolution and high-resolution spectroscopy experiments.

The rocks used for analysis were oolitic calcareous limestone (Repedea

Limestone). These rocks are indigenous to Iasi area. They were collected from “Podul

de Piatră” (Stone Bridge) intersection, after aging naturaly. The aerosol particles

investigated are the black crust formed by gravimetric deposition. The study was

conducted on the crust as well as inside the rock keeping the same experimental

conditions. Laser used in this study was a Nd:Yag laser (Quantel Brilliant Eazy) with

532 nm wavelength and 10 ns pulse at 50 mJ energy, spot diamete2r 1.4 mm, fluence

3.2 J/cm. Data in Figure 3.2 shows an overview of 200 to 350 mm spectral range where

the difference between crust and limestone was noticed. The graph indicates the

presence of Saharan dust – represented by Si in elemental composition - and also

metallic compounds such as iron and magnesium that are part of urban industrial

aerosols. To determine the surface geometry and an elemental composition a

SEM/EDX (Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray

Spectroscopy, Vega II LSH – Tescan, coupled Quantax QX2 – Bruker – Roentec) was

used.

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45

For the simulation a geometry (Figure 3.3) consisting of a square slab with a

thin layer on was made as for the materials chosen: limestone for the slab and iron (Fe

I) and magnesium (Mg I) for the thin layer. Iron and magnesium are the elements found

in the elemental composition that heat the most under laser irradiation therefore they

have been chosen.

Figure 3.1. Aerosol particle size distribution using

IASI LOASL – AERONET data

210 225 240 255 270 285 300 315 330 345

outside

inside

Inte

ns

ity

[a

.u.]

Fe I

I 317.9

5 n

m

Fe I

I 315.9

1 n

m

Na I

I 309.2

nm

Fe I

I 308.3

0 n

m

Fe I

300.8

1 n

mF

e I

300.0

4 n

m

Si

I 288.1

5 n

m

Fe

II 2

80

.34

nm

Fe I

I 279.6

6 n

mO

V 2

78.1

0 n

m

Fe I

I 263.1

3 n

mF

e I

I 259.8

3 n

m

Fe I

252.4

2 n

mS

i I

252.8

5 n

m

Fe I

I 251.7

1 n

mF

e I

I 250.7

5 n

m

Fe I

I 243.3

9 n

m

Fe I

I 238.2

0 n

m

Fe I

I 234.3

5 n

m

Fe I

I 227.6

0 n

m

Fe I

I 221.1

1 n

m

Fe I

I 212.3

8 n

m

Fe I

I 211.4

nm

Mg

I 2

85

.2 n

m

Fe I

I 210.4

5 n

m

wavelength [nm]

Figure 3.2. The spectral composition of the aged using LIBS technic.

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46

The top thin layer was split in two in order to simulate both elements.

Limestone was not considered for staying on top because it does not interact with laser

irradiation. The heat transferred through diffusion can affect the limestone and degrade

it; thus this simulation is necessary for choosing the right energy for the laser.

Figure 3.3. 3 D geometry with materials disposal in the layer and x, y, z – axis

system [Cocean et al, Appl. Surf. Sci. (2017)]

Mathematics and simulation model are as per II.2.1 Target Heating under

Pulsed Laser Irradiation section. The module Heat Transfer in Solids is used, where

the governing equation is the heat - transfer equation (2.1) and heat source is

mathematically modeled based on equations (2.15), (2.16). The difference between the

two models – the previous from II.2.1 Target Heating under Pulsed Laser Irradiation

section and the one from this section - consists in the model of the irradiated surface.

If the model in section II.2.1 Target Heating under Pulsed Laser Irradiation refers to

one component as irradiated surface, for the model in discussion herein, a non-

homogeneous surface is the target laser irradiated. Boundary conditions are set for heat

exchange between the two materials that form the layer and heat exchange between

each component of the layer and the limestone slab. The heat transfer from the hot

source to the cold source is simulated based on thermal diffusivity equation (3.1)

[Bechtel, (1975)].

𝐷 =𝑘(𝑇)

𝜌(𝑇)𝐶𝑝(𝑇) (3.1)

In equation 3.1, k(T), ρ(T), Cp(T) are thermal conductivity, material density and the

specific heat at constant pressure temperature dependent. As the soft provides

temperature dependent functions for materials constants only up to a certain level,

which is usually the melting or vaporization point, the nearest function selected in

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47

COMSOL is used for extrapolation as also mentioned in II.2.1 Target Heating under

Pulsed Laser Irradiation section. Diffusivity coefficient (3.2), applied to equation

(2.1) will describe heat diffusion from laser irradiated areas to the rest of the surface

and in volume, taking into account the specific materials of each of the components

(layer with magnesium and iron and slab of limestone). 𝜕𝑇

𝜕𝑡= 𝐷∇2𝑇 (3.2)

COMSOL provides the constants and parameter for a large range of materials stored

in the Materials Library, and also allows introduction of new materials and their

constants and parameters.

The model consider an element of basic material, limestone as a slab of 50.8

mm diameter (D) and 2.54 mm thickness, covered by a layer (the crust of impurities)

of 10 nm thickness with the specific parameters for each of the materials. For the

irradiated side, nfe = 2.8954 as refractive index of Fe, nmg = 0.29776 as refractive index

of Mg, kfe = 2.9179 as the extinction coefficient of Fe, kmg = 4.8550 as the extinction

coefficient of Mg were introduced. An energy of 50 mJ (E) and 532 nm wavelength,

pulse width of 10 ns (τ), together with the pulse coordinates (x0, y0) = (0,0) and

standard deviation describing the circular spot of the laser beam (σx = σy) of

(1.3/2)[mm] are the laser parameters. The initial temperature was set as T0 =

293.15[K].

The results are presented in 1D plots. The plots represent the temperature

distribution along x-axis and along diagonal (at 45 degrees), on the surface and at 1

mm depth in limestone. The information given by the plots is that the conditions for

laser ablation are met or not and if the temperature is high enough for chemical

reactions to take place. The simulation also gives information about heat diffusion by

conduction after the laser pulse interaction with the matter. The 1D plots at the surface

of the layer along x-axis consisting of Mg and Fe shows that there are conditions for

ablation.

The temperatures for ablation in the simulation are on about 1.5 mm width in

for iron and on about 1 mm width for magnesium. The plasma usually forms in the

range of 104 K. The temperatures for Mg is about 2·104 K at the surface and 2104 K -

4.5104 K for Fe as predicted by the simulation in COMSOL and both temperatures

resulted in simulation are in accordance with expected temperature of 104 K order,

suggesting plasma formation. Literature based on experimental results gained with

Langmuir probe shows that the condition for plasma formation is met in similar pulsed

laser irradiation [Gurlui et al, 2006].

The plots that this software generates are equally important. They offer

information about temperature variation between different materials in contact, which

are very small in size, so they can be assimilated with non-homogeneous systems. The

interpretation of the plots is based on different laser heating and different thermal

diffusion of each material.

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48

0.0 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 2.0 2.4

0

1x104

2x104

3x104

4x104

5x104

z = 0 mm

Mg (over x axis

Fe (over x axis)

Mg (profile at 45 degree)

Fe (profile at 45 degree)

Te

mp

era

ture

[K

]

Distance [mm]

Figure 3.4 Temperature variation along x-axis and along diagonal (45 degrees)

on Mg and on Fe (on layer surface) [Cocean et al, Appl. Surf. Sci. (2017)]

The picture above, Figure 3.4, represents the surface temperature variation

on x - axis and across the diagonal, at 450. The thermal equilibrium is reached in x=0

between Fe and Mg where the temperature is 2.5104 K. The two irradiated sides meet

in the middle where the two temperatures are at equilibrium from both sides Fe and

Mg border, along y axis, which is both the geometric and thermal border (Fig. 3.4). In

the x-axis representation the two meet in x=0. The temperature increases up to over

4.5104 K and mitigation takes place.

The maximum temperature of 4.5104 K on iron side corresponds to a

minimum of 3000 K for magnesium and those temperatures only correspond to the

laser heating effect on the two components of the layer, the iron absorbs more radiation

than magnesium which causes it to heat more. From the plot can be deduced that at

about 0.18 mm from spot center (the distance is within the spot standard deviation σx

= 1.3/2 mm) the thermal effect is due to laser heating and thermal equilibrium hasn’t

taken place. The thermal effects beyond 0.18 mm are because of laser heating and also

because of thermal conduction and of the tendency of thermal equilibrium in

limestone. Consequently, enhancement of temperature on magnesium and temperature

mitigation on iron, corresponding to the coordinate of 0.25 mm, is supposedly

reflecting the heat transfer through the limestone area from beneath iron to the

limestone area beneath magnesium and then to magnesium until thermal equilibrium

is reached.

A new thermal maximum for iron side is observed at about 0.5 mm

corresponding to a minimum for magnesium followed by temperature mitigation on

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49

both sides until thermal equilibrium is established at 2 mm with both sides of the

remaining geometry reaching room temperature.

Based on the temperatures achived in the numerical simulation conducted for

the process of cleaning the crust by laser ablation, a number of chemical reactions can

be anticipated [Beral et al, 1977; Cocean et al, Appl. Surf. Sci. 2017].

The limestone – calcium carbonate – a powder of white color decomposes

resulting calcium oxide (lime), which is of trigonal crystal structure and white color.

The other reaction product is carbon dioxide, which is released in the gaseous phase.

Ca CO3 CaO + CO2 ↑ (773K – 873K)

Calcium oxide, lime, reacts with carbon resulting into calcium carbide, which

is a white powder of grey/black crystals, and carbon dioxide gas is released.

CaO + 5C 2CaC2 + CO2 ↑

Calcium oxide – lime – may also react with sulfur dioxide to make solid

calcium sulfite which in the presence of air turns into hydrated calcium sulfate,

CaSO4∙2H2O colorless, white, but may also be yellow, tan, blue or pink due to different

impurities.

CaO + SO2 CaSO3 CaSO4

Mineral pigments used in slaked lime (Ca(OH)2) or limestone for painting

reasons, are susceptible to reactions under laser irradiation effect or the reactions may

take place anaerobically with impurities. Such chemical processes refer to dehydration

of limonite (yellow ochre) with formation of hematite (red ochre) when water

vaporizes due to thermal effects. Another chemical transformation may take place for

the pigment of ferrous hydroxide (green) which decomposes into magnetite of black

or grey color – more stable – caused by the anaerobic corrosion, resulting also

hydrogen and water:

Fe2O3∙H2O Fe2O3 + H2O

3Fe(OH)2 Fe3O4 + H2 +2H2O

These possible reactions together with others – depending on the pigments or

impurities – may take place during laser cleaning process and will result into color

change, but also in physical structure of the construction material. The information

provided by the numerical simulation can be used for laser parameters selection,

environmental conditions of work (such as humidity, atmosphere composition, etc).

III. 2 Damage threshold behavior of silver target unpurified with iron

and nickel

Deposition by PLD method using the silver target unpurified with iron and

nickel with the composition as presented in Table 2.2, section II.3 Non-homogeneous

target influencing physico - chemical thin layer map dispersion, morphology and

fluorescence properties, it resulted in a thin film with the characteristics as per the

same section II.3 where it was named as “sample C”. After deposition, on the thin film

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50

of sample C, laser irradiation was performed with τ =10 ns pulse width, λ=532nm

wavelength, α=45° incident angle, ν = 10 Hz pulse time repetition, D=336μm spot

diameter, and different energies E of 20 mJ, 25 mJ, 35 mJ, 40 mJ, 45 mJ, 60 mJ, 65

mJ, 80 mJ. The irradiation was conducted with a single shot in a straight line as can

be seen on the image below (Figure 3.5) to facilitate comparing the different damage

effects.

Figure 3.5. SEM images of the laser irradiated damaged

areas on the Silver layer surface

To determine the damaged spots where the irradiation took place, radius of

the spots was measured in SEM images using VegaTC software.

A simulation in COMSOL was conducted to compare with the damage thresholds

analyzed in SEM and find if that can be numerically predicted. The mathematics,

geometry, module Heat Transfer in Solids in COMSOL, boundary conditions and all

the specific set-up for the simulation used for damage threshold estimation are the

same as described in section II.2.1 Target Heating under Pulsed Laser Irradiation for

laser heating effects on a target. Geometry was set up consisting of a cylinder. Then

the mesh was built as Figure 3.6 – b shows.

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51

Figure 3.6 Geometry (a) and mesh (b)

The parameters are same as used in the experiment, as it follows: spot radius

r = 168 μm, wavelength λ = 532 nm, repetition f = 10 Hz, pulse width τ = 10 ns, time

step to store solutions equal τ/25, end time 20 ns, refractive indexes for silver, iron and

nickel of 0.054007, 2.8954 and 1.8775 respectively

[http://refractiveindex.info/?shelf=main&book=CaCO3&page=Ghosh-o], extinction

coefficient k for silver, iron and nickel of 3.4290, 2.9179 and 3.4946 respectively

[http://refractiveindex.info/?shelf=main&book=CaCO3&page=Ghosh-o], slab

diameter D= 20 mm, slab thickness Lz = 2 mm, silver layer thickness of 240 nm and

initial temperature Ti= 293.15 Kelvin. In order to conduct the simulation for different

energies, energy parametric sweep in the range of 20 mJ, 25 mJ, 35 mJ, 40 mJ, 45 mJ,

60 mJ, 65 mJ, 80 mJ was added as for experimental conditions. The silver layer is

virtually deposited on a glass slab of 50.8 mm diameter and 20 mm thickness (Figures

3.6 a-b). In order to measure the computed damaged spot, the distance is measured as

corresponding to a temperature higher than melting point of Silver (1239 K). The

melting point is considered the starting temperature when the conditions for the

ablation are met.

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52

25.2 25.3 25.4 25.5 25.6

1x103

2x103

3x103

4x103

5x103

Te

mp

era

ture

(K

)

Width (mm)

20 mJ

25 mJ

35 mJ

40 mJ

45 mJ

50 mJ

60 mJ

65 mJ

80 mJ

a)

25.2 25.3 25.4 25.5 25.6

300

310

320

330

340

350

360

370

380

390

Te

mp

era

ture

(K

)

Width (mm)

20 mJ

25 mJ

35 mJ

40 mJ

45 mJ

50 mJ

60 mJ

65 mJ

80 mJ

(b)

Figure 3.7 COMSOL results of layer heating under pulsed laser irradiation: (a)

phase change temperature conditions on laser irradiated surface at different laser

irradiation energies; (b) thermal effects on layer back side surface under laser

irradiation at different energies

The melting condition is not met on the back side of the layer and the damage does

not go through all the layer thickness.

Discussion of the compared experimental and numerical results

The experimental and simulated results fit very well as shown on the graph bellow

(Figure 3.8).

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53

40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200

-40

0

40

80

120

160

200

240

280

Damage measured with SEM

Damage calculated in COMSOL

Density of energy (J/cm2)

Da

ma

ge

me

as

ure

d w

ith

SE

M (m

)

-40

0

40

80

120

160

200

240

280

Da

ma

ge

ca

lcu

late

d in

CO

MS

OL

(m

)

Figure 3.10. Damages magnitude (μm) versus laser irradiation density of energy

(mJ) compared experimental and simulated in COMSOL

Threshold starts right after 45.11 J/cm2 density of energy. Magnitude of

damages evolution with density of energy would be the fitting exponential line

described by the equation𝑦 = 𝑦0 + 𝐴 ∙ 𝑒𝑅0∙𝑥, where y0 = 305.41307, A = -396.31276,

R0 = -0.03514.

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54

IV. Study of physicochemical processes of the environmental

atmosphere by spectroscopic and numerical methods

IV.1. Optical instruments and techniques

Figure 4.1 is a schematic diagram of the experimental installation that

contains the following components: optical excitation source (laser), Optical

Parametric Oscillator - HR-UV/V-OPO, beam expander, optical telescope, optical

polarizers, and high resolution spectral spectroscope coupled with ICCD camera with

intensifier and integration time of 2 ns. The system can detect a large range of chemical

compounds organic and inorganic and their distribution in space and time. The

information is important to understand the physical interactions and chemical reactions

during different episodes in the atmosphere. Investigation of the atmosphere with the

advanced LIDAR – DARLIOES is based on laser induced RAMAN and breakdown

spectroscopy. The system was developed in LOASL Laboratory. The laser used for

the investigation of the atmosphere was Quantel Brilliant EaZy Q-switched Nd:YAG

and the range of irradiating wavelength was 205 – 700 nm.

Figure 4.1. Schematic DARLIOES experimental set-up: the fast LIDAR resolved

spectroscopy

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55

The installation and its components is presented in the pictures of Figure 4.2.

Figure 4.2. Subassemblies that make up the installation for atmospheric probing with

space-time solution DARLIOES (Detection and Ranging Laser Induced Optical

Emission Spectroscopy)

IV.2. Study of some critical physicochemical phenomena in the

terrestrial atmosphere

Various chemical reactions take place in the atmosphere, and the most

important studied during daylight involve ozone and radicals resulted under the

interaction with UV radiation. The humidity plays an important role in wet removal of

oxides and different other compounds soluble or miscible with water. The variation in

concentrations of gases and other compounds is linked with air currents, humidity,

electrical discharge and also chemical reactions. The evolution of concentration of

substances will be analyzed further, considering night time and consequently, absence

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56

of the photolytic processes. Humidity, caused by fog and snow flacks will be taken in

consideration.

Figure 4.3 RAMAN spectra recorded with DARLIOES System for atmosphere

chemical composition [Cocean et al, 2018]

Trace gases and particles behavior and changes will be the main goal of

investigation. The concentration of different species is represented by the spectral

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57

bands intensities. The data was collected on 27 January 2017, between 6:47 pm 18:47

and 20: 58 pm hours are presented in Figure 4.3. The system used was DARLIOES

that was described in the previous section, IV.1 Optical instruments and techniques.

The data was collected during intense snowfall and high humidity. The reason for this

is to studying atmosphere self-cleaning, because in conditions of humidity the oxides

and particles interact with water droplets and fall to the ground and the atmosphere

becomes cleaner. The atmosphere is a place where molecules interact in a complex

manner so this only complicates matters. The variation of the sources, air currents, and

electrical discharge has an important contribution to the chemical composition of the

atmosphere. The concentration of the pollutants was measured as spectral bands

intensities. Due to the presence of water in the atmosphere, this needs to be taken into

consideration. Figure 4.3a through 3h shows different concentration of different

compounds. The detected compounds are only those that reemit light in the range

measured and time frame. In the same range and time frame, those that reemit at the

same wavelength but at lower intensity are not detected. The wet removal is important

as a sink for gases and particles. Surfactants increase the number of removed

substances and quantity. Surfactants are substances that reduce the local tension, thus

allowing for substances to disperse in water easier due to their amphophilic structure

– having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts. Sulfonic acids, 𝑅 − 𝑆𝑂3−𝑁𝑎+ and

sodium sulfonates, 𝑅 − 𝑆𝑂3−𝑁𝑎+ were detected in the spectra. The surfactant will

increase the absorption and adsorption of chemicals. It will help to form emulsions in

water of fats and other hydrophilic compounds that are not ordinarily soluble in water.

Solubility in water also depends on electronegativity and capacities to bond with H.

Hydrogen bonding is what facilitates many gases being absorbed no liquids. The

presence of water in various phases can be a sink for many gases; the atmospheric

conditions must be taken into account (nighttime, winter season, mixt precipitation,

snowfall with dense fog). The measurements were made at 500 meters [Cocean et al,

2018]. Another consequence of humid atmosphere is the decrease of CO2 evidenced

as reduction in intensity in the spectra (Figure 4.3 a, b, c). The reaction is listed below:

𝐶𝑂2(𝑔) + 𝐻2𝑂(𝑙) → 𝐻22−𝐶𝑂3(𝑎𝑞)

2−

The carbon dioxide is transformed in carbonic acid, of course not all of it.

The carbonic acid dissolves in water and falls to the ground. The presence of carbon

monoxide was also found. That proofs a more complex mixture of oxides, carbon

monoxide forming because of the reactions taking place in the atmosphere. This cycle

takes place in the presence of light and involves free hydroxyl radicals, azote oxides

and aldehydes. This also explains various oxides found. Sulfur trioxide, SO3 becomes

sulfuric acid in the presence of water sulfuric acid. The reaction is listed below:

𝑆𝑂3(𝑔) + 𝐻2(𝑙) → 𝐻22+𝑆𝑂4

2−

The enthalpy of reaction is ΔHf = −200 kJ mol-1 which indicates a

spontaneous reaction. The sulfuric acid will reach the earth due to ionic bonding with

water from the atmosphere that will transport it. The spectra from Figure 4.3 show the

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58

presence of other substances too. Among those, nitric oxides NO3 at 1050 cm-1, Figure

3c and NO2 at 1320 cm-1 in Figure 4.3b and Figure 4.3d, are specific for the night time,

in absence of photodisociation and only these two nitric oxides are usually present in

the atmosphere. In literature they are grouped as odd oxygen or Ox (nocturnal) that is

defined as being O3 (ozone), NO2, 2NO3, 3N2O5. The increase of NO2 concentration

from 18:47 hours (Figure 4.3b) to 19:02 hours (Figure 4.3 c) can be explained by NO3

reaction with peroxy radicals:

𝑁𝑂3 + 𝑅𝑂2 → 𝑁𝑂2 + 𝑅𝐻𝑂 + 𝐻𝑂2 [Brown et al, 2006; Ingold, 1969; Hakiki

et al, 2015]. Nitrogen dioxide, NO2, is also sourced in the car emissions (fuel burn).

Between 19:14 hours and 20:25 hours - as in Figure 4.2d and Figure 4.3b – the

reduction of NO2 occurs because of its association with NO3 and formation of N2O5

which, mixed with humidity, forms nitric acid HNO3. The decrease in concentration

leads to a diminished intensity observed in the spectral bands for NO2 which led to this

conclusion. The reactions associated to this process are listed below [Cocean et al,

2018]:

𝑁𝑂2 + 𝑁𝑂3 + 𝑀 → 𝑁2𝑂5 + 𝑀

𝑁2𝑂5 + 𝐻2𝑂 → 2𝐻𝑁𝑂3 [Brown et al, 2006; Ingold et al, 1969; Thompson

et al, 1982]

The 𝐻+𝑁𝑂3− ions are attached to the water droplets and that way the nitric

acid is cleaned from the atmosphere. Increase of nitrogen dioxide NO2 concentration

from 20:25 hours to 20:36 hours – Figure 4.3b and Figure 4.3d – is considered due to

traffic and it is observed a reduction in regeneration after 20:30 hours caused by the

drop in traffic [Brown et al, 2006]. Hydrogen cyanide is a very stable chemical

compound and cannot be easily chemically react with other species nor be dissociated

under normal physical interactions that may exist in the atmosphere. The breakdown

of HCN is about 2 years so decrease in intensity in the lines of the spectra cannot be

explained that way. Instead, the change in concentration can be explained through

water cleaning. HCN is miscible in water droplets as seen in the drop of intensity of

bands in Figure 2 d and Figure 4.3a. The time frame was 19:14 to 19:34. HCN can

react with Cl and OH [Li et al, 2000; Breton et al, 2013; Akagi et al, 2011; Li et al,

2009; Giménez-López et al, 2010; Thompson et al, 1982] but considering its long

lifetime, the decrease in concentration could not have been explained in another way

more than the detection was in nocturnal conditions. The further increase of the

intensity of the spectra from 20:22 hours to 20:36 hours are due to different sources

like burnt fuel, wood but also dye activities, transport and air currents. Another

compound called sulfonic acid could be the result of a chemical reaction. This reaction

is known as sulfonation, a reaction between alkyl benzenes and sulfur trioxide (SO3).

Sulfonation is less likely to take place in the atmosphere due to conditions and an

anthropogenic source is more likely. Industrial and urban activities lead to the

formation of salts from sulfonic aid with metals with sodium hydroxide. They will act

as surfactants, detergent like in the water droplets making possible the absorption of

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59

substances that are not soluble in water including gases and particles [Y. Yuan et al,

2013; F. Hakiki et al, 2015; M. J. Rosen et al, 2012]. The reaction of etherification is

listed below.

𝑅 − 𝑆𝑂3𝐻 + 𝑁𝑎𝑂𝐻 → 𝑅 − 𝑆𝑂3𝑁𝑎 + 𝐻𝑂𝐻 The transformation of alcohols into ethers could explain the reduction of

intensity in the appropriate spectra bands of secondary alcohols. This is seen in Figure

3d in the time frame 19:14 to 20:36 hours. An increase in intensity of the two isomers

cis and trans of vinyl alkyl ethers has been noticed between 18:47 and 19:34 as can be

seen in Figure 4.3b and Figure 4.3a. The concentration of vinyl alkyl ethers remains

constant after 19:34. The reaction of alcohol etherification cannot be met in the

atmosphere especially at night so another source is more plausible.

The source in question could be house-hold sprays, especially dye ones and

industrial sprays. As a sink for them wet removal is to be considered due to their –OH

polar group. Also traces of industrial activity were detected especially those of

pharmaceutical industry. The N-H groups were detected in the spectra which lead

towards the amides as part of the main chain of proteins or drugs like paracetamol,

penicillin and others. The N-H groups show a decrease of intensity in the spectra from

19:14 hours to 20:36 hours, as shown in Figure 3d and considering the conditions of

fog and snow the phenomenon is probably due to wet removal. This happens because

of the property of amides to form –OH bonds, Table 4.1, with water which even if

amides have a small solubility it still can decrease in concentration due to falling to

the ground attached to water drops. Another functional group detected was carboxyl,

C=O, specific to amides, aldehydes, ketones and carboxylic acid. The decrease

detected (presumably because H bonds shown in Table 4.1) from 19:14 hours to 20:36

hours of carbonyl and N-H indicates that the carbonyl groups were more likely from

amides [Cocean et al, 2018].

Water photodisociation simulated in COMSOL

Nocturnal conditions raised the question on water dissociation in absence of

sun light. The water dissociation was observed in the bands spectra from Figure 4.3h.

In order to understand the phenomena, a simulation in COMSOL was conducted. The

source of energy is considered as the photons energy that is provided to the water as

reaction enthalpy [Poulain et al, 2010; Rühl et al, 2012; Stafe et al, 2008; Stafe et al,

2010; Cocean et al, U.P.B. Sci. Bull, 2017; Cocean et al., Appl. Surf. Sci., 2017]. The

model takes into account the two existing phases of water during spectroscopic

measurements, gas and liquid. Thus, the Heat Transfer in Solids in COMSOL was

used where analytical functions are added to the module and the variable as heat source

provided by the laser beam as per formulae (2.15), (2.16) from section II.2.1. Target

Heating under Pulsed Laser Irradiation [Cocean et al, U.P.B. Sci. Bull, 2017, A.

Cocean et al., Appl. Surf. Sci., 2017].

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60

The system used for the Finite Element Method applied to the studied model consists

of a sphere (Figure 4.4a) – representing the snowflake – enclosed in a cylinder that

represents a finite element from the atmosphere (Figure 4.4b). Water in solid state is

selected from Materials Library for the sphere (snowflake) and wet air for the

environmental atmosphere and the constants for each material are provided by

COMSOL library

Figure 4.4. Geometry to model the environmental system of snowflake into wet

atmosphere (a-Snowflake representation [Cocean et al, 2018]; b- The system of

snowflake in wet air environment [Cocean et al, 2018]

Finite element discretization – mesh – is represented in Figure 4.5. A time –

dependent study is selected and the range is 0 s, 300 s and 12400 s. The parameters

introduced are 550 nm wavelength and 250 W input power to simulate the artificial

light. Initial temperatures of 273 K for the snowflake (the sphere in the modeled

system) and 273 K for the environmental atmosphere (the cylinder enclosure in the

modeled system) are introduced and the heat transfer is considered as a transfer of

energy from the photons to the system in Figure 4.4. An extremely fine mesh on the

ice grain and coarse mesh for the rest of the system are set as in Figure 4.5. The results

are generated as temperatures in eV and represented in the plots from Figure 4.6.

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61

Figure 4.5. The Mesh geometry used in the COMSOL simulation model [Cocean

et al, 2018]

In the plots from Figure 4.6, maximum of energy is reached within 300 s,

being constant after that. The amount of energy of 4.85 eV through the middle of the

snowflake equals 466.99 kJ/mol and the amount of energy of 4.92 eV on the bottom

of the snowflake equals 474.71 kJ/mol. As for water dissociation the required energy

is of 458.9 kJ/mol, the simulation shows that the artificial light irradiating the two co-

existing phases of the water (solid – snowflakes and liquid – fog) may represent

conditions to dissociate water molecules [Cocean et al, 2018]. The simulation, together

with the measured spectra (Figure 4.3h) confirms that water can dissociate during

night time, under artificial light.

V. General Conclusions

In order to deepen the fundamental studies regarding the physico - chemical

processes that take place during the interaction of the laser irradiation with the matter

and to evaluate the possibility of applying the LIBS technology, a simulation model

was developed in the COMSOL software based on the finite element method to assist

and complete the information acquired during experimental work. Adding specific

formulae and boundary conditions to Heat Transfer in Solids module of COMSOL,

the model achieved proves to be reliable and provides valuable information about

heating, temperature, phase change – including plasma formation, processes and

phenomena in connection with laser ablation. Thin films deposition simulated based

on the Fluid Flow module completes the study in a model that provides a good

representation of the Pulsed Laser Deposition.

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62

The plots illustrating the phase change processes in a time dependent and

space dependent profile, together with plots illustrating the deposition of the ablated

material provide important and accurate information to describe the phenomena.

Results obtained in COMSOL fitting literature reported experimental studies also

complete the information regarding the thermal effect influence on the ablation

through the phases generated during the transfer of energy from the laser beam to the

matter with which it interacts.

Although in the COMSOL module Heat Transfer in Solids that I selected to

simulate the laser ablation, the governing equation is for heat – transfer only, I have

added the optical components of laser beam as the ignition source for heating and

ablation, which are the laser fluence and implicitly its intensity and density of power,

to describe the entire process. The parameters with all the specific optical parameters

such as refractive index (n), extinction coefficient (Ҡ) and laser beam wavelength (λ)

and formulae for reflexive and absorption coefficients are also part of the model that I

set – up together with analytical functions to describe the Gaussian shape for pulse

width and for the effect on the surface, as well as the beam intensity as variable

described by Beer – Lambert Law for beam attenuation. Finally, all this contributes to

the essential variable of the model I have implemented, namely the one for initiating

laser ablation, respectively the power density described by the formulas (15) and (16)

from section II.2.1. Target Heating under Pulsed Laser Irradiation of this thesis. The

plots generated with the simulation results provide information about thermal effects

as temperature in space and during pulse width, which are actually phase diagrams,

indicating time ranges and/or space areas where a certain phase may exist based on the

temperature resulted from simulation and due to material properties covered in the

mathematical and parametrical model and simulation.

Although this first model for the interaction of laser radiation with matter has

been conceived for a symmetric geometry and uniform composition target, I designed

it to be used in various work situations and that is why I worked on entire 3D geometry.

That makes possible studies on non – homogeneous targets as well on asymmetric and

layered geometry and provides information about process evolution on the surface, in

depth, as well as at interfaces and on regions of the surface or volume of the target. In

this respect, the model was extended and supplemented to assist by simulating the

ablation in the study of thermal effects on a non-homogeneous target of silver with

iron and nickel impurities. The non-homogeneous composition of the target resulted

in non-uniform phenomena with respect to the heat dispersion through the regions with

different components, the thermal equilibrium tendency at interfaces being evidenced

influencing at the same time all process of heat dispersion observed mainly on surface

due to low thermal length and optical length.

During Pulsed Laser Deposition, the droplets formation was observed, but

also the change in their shape from pearl for lower laser energy/fluency to rings when

the laser energy/fluence is increased. For experiments conducted for three laser

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63

energies of 100 mJ, 150 mJ and 180 mJ, the change was obvious from pearl shaped

droplets at 100 mJ laser energy to ring shaped at 180 mJ and also the number of

droplets increased a lot with the laser energy. As for the laser energy of 150 mJ,

intermediary results among the other two were obtained. For a better visualization and

compilation of the data, the simulation was conducted for all three energies in the same

model where a parametric sweep on energy was added.

Taking into account the information from the simulation in COMSOL for the

ablation of the target made of silver unpurified with iron and nickel, where co-existing

phase is evidenced for the ablated material (gas and plasma, but also liquid phase), the

droplets are explained based on Plateau – Rayleigh instability developed by a

sinusoidal perturbation given by the diffusive electric field from plasma and by the

pressure waves generated during plasma travel with extremely high velocity in the

deposition chamber. The consistent amount of liquid phase in the plume of ablation as

per the phase diagrams COMSOL supports the statement that Plateau – Rayleigh

instability may be the explanation for droplets formation during PLD. The other

element is the high speed of the plasma that is in connection with the energy and that

is responsible for the crown splash effect, where the droplets break under the high

speed at the impact with the deposition support.

Another phenomenon observed during laser ablation experiments, was the

redeposition on the target, preponderantly of the lighter elements iron and nickel

leading to an increase of these two elements in the target elemental composition and

low to almost absent in the deposited thin layer composition. As the simulation in

COMSOL revealed liquid phase resulted in ablation preponderantly for silver, and as

liquid phase is the one most susceptible to redeposit, as well as due to the droplets

evidenced on the target around the ablated region, it must follow that the redeposition

is the result of collision between the lighter liquid micro-droplets of the three metals

constituting the target when the lighter ones – i.e. iron and nickel, almost twice lighter

than silver - will return on the target.

More investigation about how Rayleigh instability and crown splash induced

by the laser parameters, but also by the conditions of vacuum and temperature in the

deposition chamber, could lead to a better control of the PLD and make it more

efficient and with a wider range of application. Controlling the conditions in the

vacuum chamber in a way that mitigates Rayleigh instability or the opposite, enhances

it, a variety of studies on the solid films and nanoparticles but also applications for

technology could be developed.

In the context of an increased interest in medicine but also for other

applications where silver is required to be in the ionic state, a study of pulsed laser

deposition of silver on hemp fabrics previously impregnated with citric acid and on

citric acid deposited as supersaturated aqueous solution of citric acid on a glass slab

was conducted and FTIR spectra of the powder obtained from the surface of deposited

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64

films evidenced silver citrate formation and also H-bonds inter- and intramolecular, as

well as Van Der Waals interactions are revealed in the said spectra.

Based on the findings resulted from FTIR analyze of the silver thin film deposited on

the citric acid when broad band between 3560 cm-1 and 2598 cm-1 indicates both citrate

and citric acid, possibility to develop a PLD method of “titration” to determine the

quantity of silver ions from plasma of ablation arrived to the substrate within specific

conditions and parameters of the laser irradiation and pressure in the deposition

chamber is purposed. The method could be extended for other materials too.

Laser induced fluorescence used on polyacrylic fibers in textile textures

coated with curcumin by dyeing under microwave procedure, offered information

about physico – chemical interactions and processes in the nonhomogeneous system

and shift of the maximum peak of fluorescence to blue region provided information

that the the curcumin fluorophore recorded changes due either to the interaction with

the acrylic substrate or due to thermal effects with thermocromism. More

investigations are to be continued to elucidate the mechanism behind the noticed shift

in fluorophore emission after curcumin is deposited on the polyacrylic fiber.

A similar model in COMSOL for laser irradiation of non – homogeneous

materials was conducted for the study of laser cleaning of buildings, monuments and

civil constructions. For the restoration / reconditioning method of laser cleaning of

mineral rocks and constructions based on lime, such simulation can provide

information about optimum parameters and conditions so that laser irradiation does

not affect the substrate. Deposited layer as crust was investigated on limestone based

rocks from Podul de Piatra in Iasi, area exposed to urban and industrial pollution, but

also to the episodes of Saharan dust. The elemental analysis of the rock included LIBS

and SEM-EDX. The results in the generated plots offer an image about efficiency of

ablation of crust constituents, and also the effects on the substrate, i.e. limestone for

this specific case. Beside direct thermal effect to cause damages to the substrate subject

for cleaning, the temperatures resulted in the simulation indicated possible chemical

reactions that may change the chemical formula of the substrate, but the dimension of

such modified chemical composition is insignificant. The parameters and conditions

for laser cleaning of materials based on limestone were set up with this simulation.

As one of the important studies on laser interaction with matter refers to laser

mirrors threshold, the simulation in COMSOL was conducted using again a parametric

sweep on the energy to calculate when damage of the silver thin layer starts and to find

the magnitude of the damaged area. It resulted that the results of the simulation are

almost identical with the results from the experiments proceeded for same conditions

and parameters as in COMSOL. It was found that the first damage appears at 25 mJ

laser beam energy and 336 μm laser beam spot diameter which corresponds to a

fluence of 28 J/cm2. The same was noticed in the simulation in COMSOL.

The model in COMSOL set up for laser beam interaction with the matter was

adapted for interaction of artificial light emitting at 550 nm wavelength with a system

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65

consisting of liquid and solid phase of water to simulate the effects of artificial light

provided by street lighting in an atmosphere saturated in water as fog and snowflakes.

Detection with DARILOES – LIDAR system of water dissociation during nighttime

required to find out the mechanism of such transformation and COMSOL simulation,

based on a model presented at section IV.2 Study of some critical physicochemical

phenomena in the terrestrial atmosphere of this thesis evidenced a transfer of energy

from the photons sourced by street lamps cumulating 250 W input power and emitting

at 550 nm in amount of 4.85 eV and 4.99 eV, equivalent to 474.71 kJ/mol and 474.71

kJ/mol, respectively, enough to ensure conditions to water dissociation that requires

458.9 kJ/mol. The simulation in COMSOL completed a more extended experimental

study with information needed to explain chemical transformation in specific

conditions.

The measurements in the atmosphere at 500 meters had the purpose to

monitor an episode of urban pollution in special conditions, nocturnal and high

humidity. The data acquired with DARLIOES – LIDAR system leaded to the

conclusion that the evolution and changes of the different detected chemical species

are part of a wet removal process, namely “atmosphere self-cleaning under humidity

conditions” [Cocean et al, 2018] and later was re-confirmed based on specific analysis

of water collected after severe rainfalls from the same area [Cocean et al, April 2019].

Since chemical processes can occur during the interaction of laser radiation

with matter, they can also be either anticipated or explained by the temperatures

developed as a result of the energy transfer between the photons of the laser radiation

and the chemical molecules of the irradiated substance, and this results from the

simulations made in COMSOL through the model for laser irradiation heating [Cocean

et al, 2018].

All studies presented in this thesis evidence the important role of numerical

modeling and simulation to assist and complete the experimental work in LIBS for a

better understanding of the processes and phenomena that take place during light

interaction with the matter and for developing applications where such interaction may

be involved. The results of the simulations proved to be according to the experimental

data and that makes the modules used from COMSOL and its data base together with

the mathematical formulae and equations as well as boundary conditions introduced

to develop further models reliable and applicable with possibilities to extend for

implementation in even more experimental and theoretical studies.

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List of publications

1. ISI Papers

1. A. Cocean, V. Pelin, M. M. Cazacua,, I. Cocean, I. Sandu, S. Gurlui, F. Iacomi,

Thermal effects induced by laser ablation in non-homogeneous limestone covered by

an impurity layer, Appl. Surf. Sci. (2017),

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2017.03.172 [AI = 0.671]

2. A. Cocean, I. Cocean, S. Gurlui, F. Iacomi, Study of the pulsed laser deposition

phenomena by means of Comsol Multiphysics, U.P.B. Sci. Bull., Series A, Vol. 79,

Iss. 2, 2017, [AI = 0.094]

3. A. Cocean, I. Cocean, M.M. Cazacu, G. Bulai, F.Iacomi, S. Gurlui, Atmosphere

self-cleaning under humidity conditions and influence of the snowflakes and artificial

light, Applied Surface Science 443 (2018) 83–90, DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2018.02.156

[AI = 0.671] 4. I. Cocean, A. Cocean, V. Pohoata, F. Iacomi, S. Gurlui, City water pollution by

soot-surface-active agents revealed by FTIR spectroscopy, Applied Surface Science,

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2019.04.179 [AI = 0.671]

5. I. Cocean, A. Cocean, C. Postolachi, V. Pohoata, N. Cimpoesu, G. Bulai, F. Iacomi,

S. Gurlui, alpha keratin amino acids behvior under high fluence laser interaction.

Medical applications, Applied Surface Science 2019, DOI:

10.1016/j.apsusc.2019.05.207 [AI = 0.671]

6. V. Popescu, D. G. Astanei, R. Burlica, A. Popescu, C. Munteanu, F. Ciolacu, M.

Ursache, L. Ciobanu, A. Cocean, Sustainable and cleaner microwave-assisted dyeing

process for obtaining ecofriendly and fluorescent acrylic knitted fabrics, Journal of

Cleaner Production (2019), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.05.281 [AI =

0.863]

I = 0.671 x 4 + 0.094 + 0.863 = 3.641

2. Conferences

1. A. Cocean, V. Pelin, M. M. Cazacu, S. Gurlui, F. Iacomi, Thermal doping

effect on the limestone under laser irradiation, 11th International Conference

On Physics Of Advanced Materials (ICPAM-11), Babes-Bolyai University

of Cluj-Napoca, Romania, from 8th to 14th of September, 2016 – Oral

presentation Alexandru Cocean

2. A. Cocean, S. Gurlui, F. Iacomi, Dual-Pulsed Laser Induced Non-Linear

Thermal Effects, 11th International Conference On Physics Of Advanced

Materials (ICPAM-11), Babes-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania,

from 8th to 14th of September, 2016 – Poster presentation Alexandru

Cocean 3. A. Cocean, I. Cocean, M. M. Cazacu,V. Pohoață, D. Pricop, S. Gurlui, F.

Iacomi, Effects of silver interaction with light over textile dyestuffs

chromophore groups in the reaction with hemp fabrics, International

Page 83: “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi Faculty of ......Dan Gheorghe Dimitriu who, through their expertise, evaluation of the annual reports and the provision of documentation

83

Photocatalysis Workshop AdvPhotoCat-E2017, Heraklion, Greece. 14-16

July 2017 – Poster Presentation Alexandru Cocean

4. I. Cocean, A. Cocean, M. M. Cazacu, V. Pohoață, D. Pricop, D. Țîmpu, S.

Gurlui, F. Iacomi, Dyeing process for recovery of textile reactive dyestuffs

from wastewaters using photocatalytic ability of garnet and turquoise

gemstones, International Photocatalysis Workshop AdvPhotoCat-E2017,

Heraklion, Greece. 14-16 July 2017 – Oral presentation Iuliana Cocean

5. I. Cocean, A. Cocean, L. Cojocaru, V. Pohoata, N. Cimpoesu, G. Bulai, F.

Iacomi, S. Gurlui, Study of horn and wool keratin and shell chitosan PLD,

film properties and its effects on hemp fabrics, International Conference On

Physics Of Advanced Materials (ICPAM-12), Technological Educational

Institute of Crete, Heraklion, Greece, from 22nd of September to 28th of

September, 2018 – Poster presentation Iuliana Cocean

6. I. Cocean, A. Cocean, V. Pohoata, L. Cojocaru, F. Husanu, S. Gurlui, F.

Iacomi, Effect of soot – surface-active agents composites on air and water

pollution, International Conference On Physics Of Advanced Materials

(ICPAM-12), Technological Educational Institute of Crete, Heraklion,

Greece, from 22nd of September to 28th of September, 2018 - Oral

presentation Iuliana Cocean 7. A. Cocean, I. Cocean, L. Cojocaru, N. Cimpoesu, G. Bulai, F. Iacomi, S.

Gurlui, Damage threshold of special mirrors obtained by pulsed laser

deposition under high fluence irradiation. Experimental and theoretical

overview in COMSOL, International Conference On Physics Of Advanced

Materials (ICPAM-12), Technological Educational Institute of Crete,

Heraklion, Greece, from 22nd of September to 28th of September, 2018 – oral

presentation – Oral presentation Alexandru Cocean

2. Member in Research Projects

1. Extreme Light Induced Ablation Plasma Jet And Nano-patterning,

ELI-NP, CAPACITIES / RO-CERN E03/30.06.2014 (Project

Manager, Assoc. Prof. Habil. PhD Silviu Octavian GURLUI)

2. SATY: Satellite hybrid micro-thrusters, Romanian Space Agency

(ROSA), 2017- 2018 (Project Manager, Assoc. Prof. Habil. PhD

Silviu Octavian GURLUI), Position: Research Assistant

3. AiRFRAME: Aerosol properties retrieval from remote sensing

spectroscopic measurements (partner UAIC), (ROSA), 2017-2018

(Project Manager, Assoc. Prof. Habil. PhD Silviu Octavian

GURLUI), Position: Research Assistant

4. LEO: LOASL’s Earth Observatory, Romanian Space Agency

(ROSA), ID 499/2016-2017 (Project Manager, Assoc. Prof. Habil.

PhD Silviu Octavian GURLUI