Influence of an optical pulsed discharge on the structure of a supersonic air flow

We present the results of investigation of the parameters of an optical pulsed discharge (OPD) and their relation with gasdynamic parameters of a supersonic flow and with characteristics of laser radiation. For the first time the discrete objects are detected in the OPD by an optical method, namely, low-density caverns moving along with the flow. The propagation velocity of the thermal track arising in a supersonic flow under the action of the OPD is measured. It is found that at a pulse repetition rate of 90 – 120 kHz the caverns unite into a single plasma jet.