AEROSOLS IN STRONG LASER-BEAMS

This review article is an introduction to the range of specific aeroso l effects arising when a strong laser beam interacts with aerosol part icles. After a short overview of the aerosol processes in the laser be am, the following effects are considered: (i) heating, evaporation and disintegration of aerosol particles in the strong laser beam; (ii) ch arging of aerosol particles, thermo-emission of electrons and semi-dir ect photoeffects; (iii) aerosol-induced breakdown of gases; (iv) clear ing of channel in aerosol clouds; (v) nonlinear scattering of intense light by aerosol; and (vi) electromechanical effects: motion of aeroso l particles in strong laser beams. The cited literature emphasizes wor ks from the former U.S.S.R.