Electric fields of a laser plasma formed by optical breakdown of air near various targets

An experimental investigation was made of the spatiotemporal structure of the electric fields of a plasma formed as a result of optical breakdown of air near the target surface by radiations of various wavelengths (0.193, 0.53, 1.06, and 10.6 μm), pulse durations (microsecond, nanosecond, and subnanosecond), and intensities (10⁸ — 10¹³ W cm^–2). A study was made of the influence of the target and of nearby objects, and of their materials (conductor, dielectric) on the distribution of the electric fields of the laser plasma, and also on the probe diagnostic system.