The interaction of two plasmas generated by laser ablation from two perpendicular carbon (graphite, 99.99% purity) targets was analyzed by optical emission spectroscopy. The 1064 nm line of a Nd:YAG laser was used as energy source. Spatial and temporal measurements were performed. The covered spectral range was from 280 to 740 nm. Time of flight measurements were performed to determine the kinetic energies of different excited species. It was found that the excited species were more energetic; however, their lifetimes were shorter when the two plasmas were interacting. Carbon thin films were deposited at different positions relative to the plasmas and subsequently characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V All rights reserved.