Evaporation of large water drops by infrared radiation

The results are given of an experimental investigation of the evaporation of large water drops in the field of λ = 10.6 μ laser radiation of 40–120 W/cm² power density. The results obtained are compared with theoretical estimates. It is shown that the efficiency of the process of evaporation of a drop in the field of a laser radiation of λ = 10.6 μ is in the range 40–72%. Small drops were found to fly apart under the action of focused laser radiation and this could considerably alter the cross section of the drop being evaporated.