Abstract

Chemically generated a CO₂ laser pulses at 10.6 μm have been used to clear a 5-cm diameter hole through 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.

© 1991 Optical Society of America

Cloud clearing with a CO₂ laser in a cirrus cloud simulation facility

Alan P. Waggoner, Lawrence F. Radke, Victor Buonadonna, and David R. Dowling
Appl. Opt. 31(27) 5871-5877 (1992)

Enhanced cold cloud clearing by pulsed CO₂ lasers

Alan P. Waggoner and Lawrence F. Radke
Appl. Opt. 28(15) 3039-3043 (1989)

Effect of a CO₂ laser pulse on transmission through fog at visible and IR wavelengths

Michael C. Fowler
Appl. Opt. 22(19) 2960-2964 (1983)

Hole-boring in clouds by high-intensity laser beams: theory

R. C. Harney
Appl. Opt. 16(11) 2974-2978 (1977)

Fog hole boring with pulsed high-energy lasers: an exact solution including scattering and absorption

George W. Sutton
Appl. Opt. 17(21) 3424-3430 (1978)