Physical Processes of Generating Electric and Magnetic Fields in the Channel of СО2-Laser Pulse Propagation

Mechanisms of generating electric and magnetic fields during propagation of microsecond CO 2 -laser pulses in the atmosphere along long paths are considered. The wavelength range of radiation selected for our research is substantiated. The powers of the source required for realization of pre-breakdown and breakdown modes of radiation interaction with the medium are estimated. A dependence of the observed signals on the conditions of radiation propagation is investigated. Theoretical estimates and results of field experiments are compared.