Nonlinear energy attenuation of pulsed CO2 laser radiation in the atmospheric surface layer
Abstract
An experimental study of the propagation of microsecond pulses of CO2-laser radiation in the atmospheric surface layer was carried out in order to obtain quantitative data on the nonlinear attenuation by the atmosphere of high-power radiation in the energy density range of 3-18 J/sq cm depending on meteorological conditions and turbulence. It is shown that the main mechanism responsible for the nonlinearity of the medium is the appearance of centers of low-threshold optical breakdown by solid aerosol particles. The conditions of initiation and the basic characteristics of an extended laser spark in the atmosphere are investigated.
- Publication:
-
Fizika
- Pub Date:
- February 1983
- Bibcode:
- 1983Fiz....26....5A
- Keywords:
-
- Atmospheric Attenuation;
- Carbon Dioxide Lasers;
- Energy Dissipation;
- Laser Targets;
- Pulsed Lasers;
- Atmospheric Boundary Layer;
- Atmospheric Optics;
- Nonlinear Systems;
- Turbulence Effects;
- Lasers and Masers