The energy spectra of heavy ions emitted from laser-produced
plasmas were determined by the use of a technique relying on
the implantation of plasma ions into a substrate located close
to the plasma. Ion energy spectra were reconstructed from depth
profiles of the implanted ions measured by the standard Rutherford
back-scattering (RBS) technique employing 2 MeV alpha particles
scattered at 170° laboratory angle. The energy spectra of
Ag, Au, Sn, and Pb ions, implanted into aluminum or steel foils,
are presented. A review of other techniques for ion energy spectrum
measurement is presented and their limitations are discussed.