Interferometric and shadowgraphic studies of shock wave and cavitation bubble generated with Nd:YAG nano second laser pulses induced breakdown in water

Abstract

Laser break down and subsequent plasma formation in liquids, in particular in water is of considerable interest due to its potential application in biomedical applications and also in the generation of micro/nano particle formation. There are two mechanisms which can lead to plasma formation: direct ionization of the medium by multiphoton absorption or avalanche ionization via inverse bremsstrahlung absorption. Spectroscopic investigation was performed in the early stage of breakdown of water at and beyond breakdown threshold and subsequent formation of shock waves and cavitation bubble is studied using shadow graphic and interferometric technique. © 2011 American Institute of Physics.