Propagation of laser radiation in water aerosol in conditions of the dispersal of this aerosol

Theoretical and experimental results are presented which make possible a detailed study of such characteristics as the time of formation of the dispersed zone and the efficiency of dispersal during the thermal action of CW CO2 laser radiation on water aerosol. Quantitative values of these characteristics are obtained in the absence of the wind transport of drops for various values of radiation power density in the 12-80 W/sq cm range. It is shown that the convective flows that evolve under the effect of radiation significantly slow down the dispersal and reduce its efficiency. The refraction and thermal self-defocusing of the CW beam are determined. In addition, consideration is given to the propagation of intense pulses of visible and UV laser radiation in water aerosol leading to the explosive dispersal of drops in cases of thermal and nonthermal action.