LASER PRODUCTION OF BLAST WAVES IN LOW PRESSURE GASES

It is shown by use of image converter photographs and probe data, that a Q-switched laser can produce blast waves at relatively low gas pressures (p≳0.6 mm Hg). The gas density and time dependence of the laser produced blast waves are found to be in close agreement with predictions based on ideal blast-wave theory. The data were taken using argon gas and laser delivered energies of approximately 0.5 J. © 1969 The American Institute of Physics.