When a high-power laser is used in the Earths atmosphere,

Chapter 34, Problem 25

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QUESTION:

When a high-power laser is used in the Earths atmosphere, the electric field associated with the laser beam can ionize the air, turning it into a conducting plasma that reflects the laser light. In dry air at 0C and 1 atm, electric breakdown occurs for fields with amplitudes above about 3.00 MV/m. (a) What laser beam intensity will produce such a field? (b) At this maximum intensity, what power can be delivered in a cylindrical beam of diameter 5.00 mm?

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QUESTION:

When a high-power laser is used in the Earths atmosphere, the electric field associated with the laser beam can ionize the air, turning it into a conducting plasma that reflects the laser light. In dry air at 0C and 1 atm, electric breakdown occurs for fields with amplitudes above about 3.00 MV/m. (a) What laser beam intensity will produce such a field? (b) At this maximum intensity, what power can be delivered in a cylindrical beam of diameter 5.00 mm?

ANSWER:

Step 1 of 4

(a) the intensity of the wave is given by,

We know, magnetic permeability of free space is,

 

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