The use of a sequence of two ultra short light pulses enabled us to produce ions, neutrals and nanoparticles from a Ti metallic target and successively irradiate them. Efficient formation of nanoparticles was observed as well as their subsequent fragmentation into neutral atoms. The size distribution of the nanoparticles obeys a log-normal law, characterized by a statistical median diameter size of 70 urn. Measurements of their spectral emission provides information regarding their temperature. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.