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Title: Influence of weakly absorbing solid aerosol particles in lowering the optical breakdown threshold of air

Journal Article · · J. Eng. Phys. (Engl. Transl.); (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00871111· OSTI ID:6004382

This article is a theoretical investigation of the action of high-intensity laser radiation on weakly absorbing aerosol particles whose presence can create conditions for lowering the optical breakdown threshold of air. The calculations were carried out for spherical particles of fused aluminum oxide with optical constants of 1.75 - i/center dot/ 10/sup /minus/7/ and particle radii of 7-17 /mu/m. The wavelength of the incident radiation was 1.06 /mu/m. The energy density of the electric fields both inside and outside the particle was characterized in terms of the field components for the interior as well as the diffracted fields. It is concluded that the presence of weakly absorbing particles in air can create conditions for the reduction of the threshold radiation intensity required for the initiation of optical breakdown in air.

Research Organization:
Institute of Physics, Minsk (USSR)
OSTI ID:
6004382
Journal Information:
J. Eng. Phys. (Engl. Transl.); (United States), Vol. 54:4; Other Information: Translated from Inzh. Fiz. Zh.; 54: No. 4, 582-585 (Apr 1988)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English