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Title: Laser generation of gas bubbles: Photoacoustic and photothermal effects recorded in transient grating experiments

Journal Article · · Journal of Chemical Physics
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3003068· OSTI ID:21254879
;  [1]
  1. Department of Chemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912 (United States)

Absorption of high power laser radiation by colloidal suspensions or solutions containing photoreactive chemicals can result in bubble production. Here, transient grating experiments are reported where picosecond and nanosecond lasers are used to initiate photoinduced processes that lead to bubble formation. Irradiation of colloidal Pt suspensions is found to produce water vapor bubbles that condense back to liquid on a nanosecond time scale. Laser irradiation of Pt suspensions supersaturated with CO{sub 2} liberates dissolved gas to produce bubbles at the sites of the colloidal particles. Laser induced chemical reactions that produce bubbles are found in suspensions of particulate C in water, and in the sensitized decarboxylation of oxalic acid. Theory based on linear acoustics as well as the Rayleigh-Plesset equation is given for description of the bubble motion.

OSTI ID:
21254879
Journal Information:
Journal of Chemical Physics, Vol. 129, Issue 18; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.3003068; (c) 2008 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0021-9606
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English