Low-threshold cavitation in water using IR laser pulse trains

The low-temperature cavitational disruption by trains of laser pulses was demonstrated in water. The trains used in the experiment were generated by a Raman laser at a wavelength of 1626 nm. The mean value of the fragmentation threshold energy density per pulse in a train was estimated to be equal to 7.2x10(6) J/m(3). The corresponding amplitude of the negative pressure had the order of 6-7 bars at a temperature jump of only about 2 degrees C. This result opens up prospects for developing precision nonthermal cavitational laser surgery.