Interference structure of the scattering cone in a laser spark
Bufetov A. , Bufetova G. A. , Prokhorov A. M. , Fedorov V. B.
Interference fringes have been observed in a cone laser light scattered in the plasma of a laser breakdown of air. This is the first such observation. An explanation of the observed pattern is proposed: The pattern results from an interference of laser light scattered at two or more self-focusing centers in the plasma of the laser spark in air. The diameter of a focus in the plasma has been found as a function of the gas pressure in the chamber for various wavelengths of the laser light.