Sound generation in the atmosphere upon exposure to high-power milli- and microsecond laser pulses

Abstract

A review of works on generation of acoustic pulses in the atmosphere upon exposure to high-power laser pulses is presented in this paper. Characteristics of sound pulses in the atmosphere accompanying the propagation of high-power milli- and microsecond laser pulses, including the peak sound pressure level and the shape and spectrum of acoustic pulses, are discussed. The special features of acoustic pulses from individual liquid and solid aerosol particles and ensembles of monodisperse particles and polydisperse atmospheric aerosol are discussed. The characteristics of acoustic signals from long laser sparks and collective optical discharges are considered.