Ablation
Definition and meaning of Ablation in chemistry.
Ablation is the removal of material from the surface of a solid by vaporization, melting, or erosion, often driven by a high-energy source such as a laser or intense heat.
In more detail
In chemistry, laser ablation focuses a pulsed laser onto a sample to vaporize a tiny amount of it, either to analyze the vapor or to deposit the material as a thin film. Ablation is also the mechanism behind spacecraft heat shields, where a sacrificial layer burns away to carry heat away from the vehicle.
Key facts
| Process | Surface material removal |
|---|---|
| Common driver | Laser or intense heat |
| Uses | Sampling, thin-film deposition |
| Field | Physical / analytical chemistry |
In laser ablation ICP-MS, a laser removes microscopic amounts of a rock sample, which are then swept into an instrument that measures the elements present.
Frequently asked questions
What is laser ablation used for?
It is used to sample solids for chemical analysis and to deposit thin films of material onto surfaces.