Detection of solvated electrons below the interface between atmospheric-pressure plasma and water by laser-induced desolvation

Abstract We have developed a new method to detect solvated (hydrated) electrons at the plasma–water interface. The is based on laser-induced desolvation followed by release of free into plasma. employed an atmospheric-pressure dc glow discharge, in which water surface worked as cathode, experiment. When region just below cathode was irradiated with pulsed laser beam, we observed increase discharge current. current caused electrons, were produced from hydrated desolvation. sensitive wavelength. compared relationship between and wavelength distribution solvation energy using Monte Carlo simulation transport water. As result, it concluded that under experimental conditions located distance 7–15 nm