Role of target-material particles in the dynamics of a self-ignited pulsed optical discharge

An experimental study was made of the dynamics of the interaction of laser radiation with the damage products of metallic targets in a self-ignited pulsed optical discharge. The spatial distributions of the electron density and of the temperature in this discharge were investigated. It was found that the zone of maximum screening of the laser radiation was located close to the target and was determined by the presence of particles of the target material in the condensed phase. The target material particles, formed by bulk vaporization, facilitated ignition of the optical discharge.