Characterization of multiply-charged Cu ions produced by excimer laser ablation

We present the experimental results about the characterization of Cu ions produced by an excimer laser ion source (LIS). This technique produces a high concentrated and explosive plasma by irradiating a small target spot. We can conclude that an efficient source of multiple charged ions was realized by means of an excimer laser. The ion energy analysis revealed the presence in the plasma of ion charge states up to 4+. The threshold for ion emission was about 6.5 J/cm/sup 2/ and we recorded a maximum plasma flux of 0.7 A.