Abstract:
A study is reported of the influence of temporal fluctuations of laser radiation on the development of thermal explosions of absorbing inclusions and on the statistical behaviour of the damage of transparent insulators. The range of fluctuation times in which these fluctuations influence thermal explosions of inclusions is established. An analysis is made of the conditions which ensure control of temporal fluctuations of laser radiation so as to eliminate their influence on the experimental statistical relationships which govern laser damage and which are associated with the distribution of absorbing inclusions in the bulk and on the surface of a sample.