The effect of giant laser pulses on a quasi-stationary plasma torch

Attention is given to the processes occurring in a quasi-stationary plasma jet formed over a solid target under the action of a neodymium laser pulse. The laser has, in addition to intervals of continuous generation, several 'giant' peaks. Detection is made of the formation of the contact boundary between the plasma and air at which the shock waves generated by the giant pulses in the plasma are reflected. To validate the analysis of shock wave reflection, a new method of plasma diagnostics is proposed and the temperature in the jet is measured. A low-threshold optical breakdown of the air is detected near the contact boundary.