Propagation of high-power laser radiation in haze has been studied in situ. It was shown that using the acoustic response it is possible to detect remotely changes in the laser intensity over the beam cross section and along the propagation path. The absence of plasma centers (PCs) on the propagation path at laser radiation energy density sufficient for optical breakdown at aerosol particles was observed for the first time.
atmosphere, laser radiation, propagation, meteorologic conditions, aerosol, optical breakdown, opto-acoustics