Processes on a laser target during laser-induced interaction of silica with methane

Exothermal reduction of SiO₂ was initiated by cw laser radiation of 10.6 μm wavelength and 1 — 6 kW cm^–2 intensity acting on cylindrical laser targets made of silica and silicate glasses, 2.7 — 4 mm in diameter, with a CH₄ – Ar gaseous mixture flowing past them. Laser-induced surface boiling of silica glass in methane, as well as the microstructure and chemical compositions of the targets, were investigated.