A pulsating optical discharge moving in a gas

A pulsating optical discharge (POD) moving in a gas behind the laser beam focus at a high velocity is produced using repetitively pulsed CO₂ laser radiation. A technique is worked out for creating a focusing system to stabilise the parameters of such a discharge. The radiation energy spent per unit length for burning the plasma channel is 3–8 J m^-1. The maximum velocity of discharge (~100 m s^-1) is limited by the experimental conditions. The prospects of using a POD moving at a considerable distance from the emitter are assessed.