Demonstration of flip-over effect in laser-produced plasma expansion via Direct Simulation Monte Carlo method
Abstract
Modeling the dynamics of laser-produced plasmas (LPP) is important to maximize its applications such as in thin film deposition. In this study, we simulate the expansion of an LPP using the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. The simulated vapor comprises of representative particles and the interactions are treated stochastically. We demonstrate the characteristic rotation of the plume shape about the propagation axis, known as the flip-over effect, by comparing the thickness profiles for varying target-to-substrate distances. Further, the profiles were also fitted with an analytical model that assumes adiabatic expansion of LPP. This study provides a valid DSMC modeling of LPP allowing simulation of thin film deposition with different geometries and accessories.