INFLUENCE OF AN EROSION PLASMA ON THE DYN AMICS OF A LASER-SUPPORTED ABSORPTION WAVE IN A GAS

An experimental investigation was made of the influence of an erosion plasma (formed from the target vapour) on the dynamics of an laser-sup ported detonation wave in the gas surrounding the target. The results confirmed self-consistent numerical model predictions of slowing down of a wave propagating under conditions of partial absorption of laser radiation. The observed effect was attributed to a reduction in the in tensity of the radiation, reflected by the target surface and transmit ted for the second time by the plasma, because of the absorption in th e dense ionised vapour of the target material.