Shape distortion of a single water droplet by laser-induced electrostriction

Electrostrictive distortions of a flowing water droplet are photographed with a framing camera after the laser pulse is shut off. With medium-energy laser illumination, large asymmetric bulging from the droplet shadow face precedes shape oscillation of the entire droplet. With high-energy laser illumination, the bulge acquires a cylindrical shape that can eject a small droplet. The laser-induced electrostrictive force exerted on a single transparent droplet is compared with the surface-tension force.