Shock waves induced by pulsed CO2 laser radiation focused on the free surface of a liquid

The two-exposure schliren-method was used to determine parameters of shock waves generated in the water and air by the pulsed carbon-dioxide laser radiation focused onto the free surface of the water. The pressure on the shock front was calculated from the experimentally obtained data for the shock front velocities. The scattering zone has been found to be formed directly under the focal spot which at early stages of the process expanded with a velocity significantly exceeding the sound velocity in the water. This paper deals with the study of shock waves generated in the water and air by the pulsed carbon-dioxide laser radiation focused onto the free surface of the water. The two-exposure schliren- method was used to determine parameters of shock waves. The optical scheme of the experimental set-up is presented.