Anomalous backscattering of high-power laser radiation by the flat surfaceof a solid

Results of measurements of the backscattering characteristics of high-power laser radiation at flat randomly rough surfaces of various materials are d escribed for a wide range of radiation and surface parameters. It is observ ed that for probe radiation intensities in the range similar to 10(3)-10(7) W/cm(2) and a pulse duration of similar to 10(-8) s the scattering pattern becomes anomalous under various additional conditions. The results are ana lyzed in accordance with the laws of structural conditionality, the qualita tive boundary, abnormality, and alternation of nonequilibrium. Possible pra ctical applications of the observed effect are discussed. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S1063-7850(99)02008-X].