Plasma processes and emission spectra in laser induced plasmas: A point of view

In this paper emission spectra of the plasma produced by laser-matter interaction are discussed in terms of the correlation between the elementary plasma processes and the evolution of plasma parameters during the expansion. Three main stages have been identified and discussed in details: high density plasma, near equilibrium plasma and non-equilibrium plasma including molecular formation. In order to develop a comprehensive point of view on the correlation between plasma mechanisms and spectral emission features several concepts already discussed and elucidated in the plasma science have been adapted to the description of the laser induced plasma and to its ionizing and recombining character.