An Experimental Study of the Behavior of Bubbles and Shock Waves Generated by Laser Focusing in Water

Abstract

This paper deals with an experimental study on the collapsing process of bubbles produced by a focused ruby laser beam in water. The behavior of the collapsing bubbles, and propagation of shock waves induced in the process were observed using double a exposure holographic interferometer and an Ima-Con Camera. The impact pressure was measured by changing the distance between the focusing point of the laser beam and a pressure gauge. Results indicated that the impact pressure induced at the instant of bubble rebound was more intense than that induced at bubble initiation due to the laser focusing, and showed how the impact pressure was attenuated with the distance.