Cloud hole boring with long pulse CO(2) lasers: theory and experiment.
Chemically generated CO(2) laser pulses at 10.6 microm have been used to clear a 5-cm diameter hole through a stratus-like cloud in a laboratory cloud chamber. The results show that 100% clearing can be achieved. The mechanism is shown to be droplet shattering followed by evaporation. In the experimental conditions, the channel closure is effected by turbulent mixing and droplet recondensation.
Quigley
G P
GP
Webster
R B
RB
Caramana
E J
EJ
Morse
R L
RL
York
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GW