Influence of the target on the generation of laser radiation

An experimental study was made of the reaction of a metal target located at the focus of a laser beam on the operation of the laser itself. An optical coupling between the target and the laser resonator was capable of increasing considerably the output power of the laser and of altering the polarization of its radiation. A target gave rise to pulsations of the laser power associated with melting of the irradiated metal. Formation of a plasma jet at the target surface increased the amplitude and frequency of these power pulsations which were accompanied by synchronous pulsations of the jet plasma.