LAUSR

When a femtosecond laser pulse propagates through water clouds, optical breakdown can occur once the laser intensity exceeds a certain threshold. This photoionization process, along with the resultant laser-induced plasma, can strongly influence laser communications and laser-induced precipitation. However, the calculation model for the initial evolution of the laser field and its self-generated plasma remain insufficient. Here, we provide a theoretical transient coupling model to investigate the evolution of the laser-induced plasma in the water-cloud droplets, along with the nonlinear absorption occurring during optical breakdown. Agreement is achieved between the experimentally determined breakdown threshold and our calculated prediction. The calculation results indicate that the optical breakdown occurring in a water cloud has a considerable influence on the laser field. It is recommended that the laser intensity does not exceed the breakdown threshold for laser communications. We expect that our findings will also be helpful for weather control.