Imaging of neutral gold atoms with TALIF for spark ablation

This project will focus on gold electrodes as model system. We will study how neutral gold atoms (Au I) are distributed during the spark ablation process. To achieve this, structured two-photon laser-induced fluorescence imaging (Structured TALIF) will be applied, where ultrashort laser pulses will be spatio-spectrally designed to target atomic transitions within the gold atom. This will allow for the observation of the cloud of evaporated gold atoms which in turn seeds particle formation. Additionally, we will combine the gold atom distribution data with light scattering imaging of aerosol particles to visualise and connect to the early stages of particle formation and agglomeration. The use of the highly advanced laser-based methods for the characterization of the vapor cloud formation is unique and will provide insights to study the particle formation process.