Repulsion of bodies from the surface of water subjected to laser radiation (optically generated vapor cushion)

An experimental study was made of the repulsion of bodies by the surface of water interacting with laser radiation. A beam from a pulse CO₂ laser incident obliquely on the surface of water threw upward a body located above the illuminated spot. In a second experiment a beam from an unswitched pulse neodymium laser entered water from below and lifted momentarily various bodies to a height of several meters. The specific momentum of the bodies per unit laser energy was determined. It was concluded that the effect could be used to produce optically a vapor cushion which would make possible levitation, flight, starting, and acceleration of a body in a laser beam above a water surface.