Optical breakdown in an aerodisperse stream

The threshold energy density, the breakdown probability, and the transmission of an optical-breakdown plasma as well as the amplitude of the radiation emitted by this plasma were determined experimentally as a function of the concentration of particles in an air stream containing a cement aerosol. The results obtained were in agreement with estimates based on a theory of a low-threshold collective optical discharge and they could be used to determine the parameters of the optical breakdown in the field of high-power laser radiation.