Department of Physics & Astronomy
University of New Mexico

OSE Seminars

Fundamentals of laser interaction with water droplets

Presented by Dr. Martin Richardson, CREOL, Univ. of Central Florida

Femtosecond laser pulses of sufficient energy can self-focus in air creating "filaments" of light. Laser filamentation is generated by the dynamic balance between Kerr self-focusing and plasma defocusing of ultrashort laser pulse. One of the numerous applications of laser filaments that will be described here is in the context of Laser-induced water condensation (LIC), which has been considered in the recent years as a strong candidate for possible precipitation control . Filamentation is a serious candidates for LIC because of its its characteristics of long distance propagation robustness, and capability to travel through fogs and clouds, low pressures and even through turbulences. Up to now, few results have been published on the interaction of filaments with water particles and its impact on both the filament and water particles . In the present study, the size distribution of water particles as they interact with a single filament is observed. In addition, a single droplet was interacted with a single filament to measure the energy dissipated during the interaction as well as the changes in particle sizes of a single water droplet after the interaction. Optical shadowgraph images were taken using femtosecond beam to capture and analyze shock waves of the interaction. The measurement of the energy dissipated during filament-aerosol interaction, as well as the changes in the particle sizes after the interaction are key components to better understand laser-induced water condensation.

10:00 am, Monday, November 30, 2015
Room 101, Center for High Tech Materials
Science and Technology Park - South Campus

Disability NoticeIndividuals with disabilities who need an auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in P&A events should contact the Physics Department (phone: 505-277-2616, email: physics@unm.edu) well in advance to ensure your needs are accomodated. Event handouts can be provided in alternative accessible formats upon request. Please contact the Physics front office if you need written information in an alternative format.

A schedule of talks within the Department of Physics and Astronomy is available on the P&A web site at http://physics.unm.edu/pandaweb/events/index.php