Recent experiments in laser supported absorption waves

Recent experimental studies with laser supported absorption waves, arising from intense laser radiation incident upon various surface materials, are discussed. The propagation characteristics of both subsonic (laser supported combustion), intensity about 10⁵ W/cm², and supersonic (laser supported detonation), intensity greater than 10⁶ W/cm², waves are described, including the dependence of wave speed on laser intensity, beam diameter, gas density and laser wave length. Measurements of the plasma properties in such waves are described, and the analysis of these data allows conclusions identifying the dominant transport mechanism in such waves. It is also concluded that in the LSC (subsonic) case, radial flow ahead of and within the wave are dominant features of the wave structure. The equipment and laser facilities used in the experiments are also discussed.