Experimental study of the condensation of high-melting oxides during the surface heating of a target in air by laser radiation

A description is given of an experimental unit which makes it possible to measure the absorption and scattering of radiation of different wavelengths by disperse-phase particles consisting of products of the condensation of highmelting oxides vaporized at limitingly high temperatures during laser surface heating. Results are reported for oxides of magnesium and silicon. A decrease in condensation in the flame near the surface is seen with an increase in radiant flux for a ceramic composed of silica. Estimates of the mean radius of particles from the condensation of magnesium and silicon oxides made on the basis of measurements of transmission and scattering agree satisfactorily with particle dimensions determined experimentally.