Vol. 1, issue 03, article # 5

Abstract:

The mechanisms responsible for optical plasma formation in solid aerosol under the lowest intensities possible have been studied. The absorbing surface impurities and effects related to aerosol particles shape field amplification and the heat flow reduction at absorbing projections (spikes) are shown to play the major role in the process under study. The necessary particle heating conditions are found. The dynamics of the low-threshold breakdown initial stage is describes. The ways to enhance the heating efficiency are proposed. The relation between the pulse shape and the dependence of breakdown threshold on particle size is established. The particle shape is shown to be immaterial for the long-spark discharge dynamics.