Stability of laser-radiation absorption waves and mechanisms of their turbulization

An analysis is made of a series of gasdynamic instabilities capable of turbulizing a plasma formed as a result of laser irradiation of a solid target surrounded by air. The problem of stability of the plane infinitely thin front of a laser 'flame' is solved. Results are given for experiments confirming the occurrence of turbulent mixing in a plasma jet at moderate (1-100-MW/sq cm) laser radiation intensities.