Breakdown experiments in liquids by short pulse lasers and their thresholds calculations

Theoretical and experimental studies on laser-induced breakdown in liquids are pursued using Q-switch laser pulses of the second harmonic (0.532 /spl mu/m, 5 nsec) of a Nd:YAG laser. In NaCl solutions the breakdown fields are studied changing NaCl concentrations in distilled water. In linear hydrocarbon liquids the breakdown fields are studied as a function of the index n of C/sub n/H/sub 2n+2/. The mechanism of optical breakdown in those liquids are investigated using a rate equation of electron multiplication which includes the processes of initial electron supply and avalanche ionization.