Effects of Particulate Matter on Atmospheric Propagation of CO2 Laser Radiation
Abstract
The influence of aerosols, or particulates, on thermal blooming and gas breakdown of 10.6 micrometer wavelength radiation was measured. When particles are irradiated with high intensity pulsed CO2 laser beams, gas breakdown is initiated and the plasma formed limits the propagation of the beam. Experimental measurements of the threshold for ionization of single particles electrodynamically suspended at the focus of a beam was measured. Streak photographs of the plasma expansion and schlieren studies are also reported. A theoretical analysis of solid particles laser radiation interaction indicates that the mechanism leading to breakdown is superheating of the particle material with subsequent ionization of the solid or of the material directly adjacent to the solid.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 30, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0775221
Entities
People
- David C. Smith
- Frederick G. Gebhardt
- Paul J. Berger
- Robert T. Brown
Organizations
- United Technologies Corporation