Dynamics of parameters of an erosion torch formed under the action of submicrosecond laser radiation on a zinc target

By the laser probing method the time dependence of the transmission factor of an erosion laser torch of zinc under the action on a metal target of intensive submicrosecond pulses has been determined. On the basis of the results of laser probing, a conclusion on the formation mechanism of the liquid-drop phase of the target material under the given irradiation conditions has been drawn.