Supersonic turbulent propagation of an optical discharge
Abstract
Reference is made to an earlier study (Datskevich et al., 1984) in which it has been discovered that, in experiments with a high-power pulsed CO2 laser in low-pressure argon, the optical breakdown plasma becomes turbulent when argon pressure reaches 100 torr or more. In the present study, it is shown that the turbulent transition in a laser plasma gives rise to a previously unknown regime of the supersonic propagation of an optical discharge. Interferograms and high-speed photographs of a laser spark in argon are presented.
- Publication:
-
Pisma v Zhurnal Tekhnischeskoi Fiziki
- Pub Date:
- May 1986
- Bibcode:
- 1986PZhTF..12..570K
- Keywords:
-
- Laser Plasma Interactions;
- Laser Plasmas;
- Plasma Turbulence;
- Wave Propagation;
- Argon Plasma;
- Carbon Dioxide Lasers;
- High Power Lasers;
- Photographic Recording;
- Supersonics;
- Plasma Physics