Intense Ruby-Laser-Induced Acoustic Impulses in Liquids

An experimental study has been made of the acoustic signals induced in liquids by the focused beam from a Q-spoiled ruby laser. Very intense acoustic impulses have been produced with laser pulses of less than 0.05 J total energy. These appear to be generated by dielectric breakdown and not associated with the hypersonic waves that may be produced simultaneously by stimulated Brillouin scattering. The observed impulses have peak pressures of approximately 500 atm and frequency components in excess of 2400 Mc/sec.