Energy conversion in a glass-laser-induced blast wave in air

Abstract

Near-infrared solid laser-induced blast waves were investigated using a Q-switched Nd:glass laser oscillating at 1053 nm wavelength, up to 2.0 J/pulse laser energy Ei, and 33 ns pulse duration (full width at half maximum). Half-shadowgraph half-self-emission visualization elucidated laser detonation waves and blast waves. Laser output and transmission through the waves were measured using pairs of a photodetectors and energy meters. Results show volumetric absorption in this near-infrared region, which is mainly attributable to low inverse-Bremsstrahlung absorption coefficients at short wavelengths. Some input laser energy was converted into blast wave energy: 59% at Ei=1.0 J/pulse, which approximates that of CO2 laser-induced blast waves.