Abstract

The transmission characteristics of a high-power CO₂-laser beam through a single water aerosol particle are studied. It is found that before the onset of plasma formation there is a sizable range of laser intensity where the medium becomes almost totally transparent. A plausible argument for this induced transparency is given in terms of particle disintegration. This effect may have applications in laser atmospheric propagation.

© 1988 Optical Society of America

Interaction of TEA CO₂ laser radiation with aerosol particles

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