Femtosecond Double-Pulse Laser Ablation and Deposition of Co-Doped ZnS Thin Films

Nanostructured thin films of Co-doped zinc sulfide were synthesized through femtosecond pulsed laser deposition. The scheme involved ablation of physically mixed Co and ZnS with pairs of ultrashort pulses separated in time in the 0–300 ps range. In situ monitorization of the deposition process was carried out through a simultaneous reflectivity measurement. The crystallinity of generated nanoparticles and the inclusion of Co in the ZnS lattice is demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (TEM-EDX) characterization. Surface morphology, Raman response, and photoluminescence of the films have also been assessed. The role of interpulse temporal separation is most visible in the thickness of the films obtained at the same total fluence, with much thicker films deposited with short delays than with individual uncoupled pulses. The proportion of Co in the synthesized doped ZnS nanoparticles is found to be substantially lower than the original proportion, and practically independent on interpulse delay.

Study of interpulse delay effects on orthogonal dual-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy in bulk seawater

With the application of an orthogonal DP-LIBS excitation, when compared to SP-LIBS, significant emission intensity enhancements for a wide range of elements were obtained in seawater by using proper shorter interpulse delays.

Effects of Tandem Pulse on Stone Comminution in an Electromagnetic Shock Wave Lithotripter

Despite recent innovations in lithotripter design and technology, the first generation Dornier HM-3 electrohydraulic lithotripter remains the most effective clinical, non-invasive modality for comminuting stones. Understanding the fundamental differences between the HM-3 and more clinically practicable lithotripters is critical to achieving meaningful improvements in future models. This study aims to further clarify the role of the second, weaker pulse of the HM-3 in stone comminution by introducing a similar pulse in the pressure profile of an electromagnetic lithotripter. Additionally, this study investigates the potential for this tandem shock technique to improve comminution in electromagnetic lithotripters through optimization of the interpulse delay time.