Investigation of photoacoustic and photohydrodynamic parameters of laser breakdown in liquids

Experimental results are reported of measurements of the parameters of shock waves and cavities generated as a result of laser breakdown in water, glycerin, and benzene (focusing by a lens with F = 2 cm). The results are reported as a function of the optical energy (0–1 J) and duration (10–70 nsec) of ruby laser pulses. It is shown that the efficiency of conversion of radiation into mechanical energy as a result of breakdown in liquids increases when the duration of laser pulses is reduced.