Energy thresholds for air-breakdown plasma formation on the surfaces of solid targets under the action of TEA CO2 laser pulses

The first measurements were made of the energy threshold for air breakdown on metallic and dielectric targets when a plasma was formed in the tail of a TEA CO₂ laser pulse. A study was made of the dependences of the threshold characteristics on the dimensions of the illuminated spot and on the angle of incidence of the radiation on the target. A qualitative interpretation of the results is given.