Changes in the characteristics of giant laser radiation pulses and of luminous plasma during formation of damage regions on the surface or in the bulk of transparent dielectrics

An investigation was made of changes in the characteristics of gaint laser pulses and of luminous plasma in the course of formation of damage regions on the surfaces or in the bulk of transparent K-8, LK-5, and TF-5 glasses and of NaCl, KCl, and KBr crystals. For pulses of 15–40 nsec duration the decisive factor in the formation of the damage regions was the incident radiation power, whereas the ambient atmosphere affected the damage process only at pressures exceeding 50 mm Hg.